The Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, "land of the long white cloud". New Zealand is an island country in the south-west Pacific, comparable in size to the United Kingdom or the Philippines. New Zealand comprises the North and South Islands, and a host of smaller islands. Extensive areas are set aside as national parks. The North Island is mainly rolling hill country, much of which is farmed. The South Island is divided by the Southern Alps, which run most of its length and rise to over 3,000m.
Nowhere in New Zealand is more than 130km from the sea.

New Zealand is a peaceful, safe and friendly country, providing exciting lifestyle and adventure opportunities in a multicultural environment. This makes New Zealand a 'choice' place for thousands of students to consider for a quality education.

With a population of just over 4.4 million, New Zealand is one of the least crowded places on the planet. It is a modern country with advanced technology, a culture of research and development, with a mixed economy that operates on free market principles. New Zealand businesses are typically small: 97% employ fewer than 20 people. There are excellent business and employment opportunities for students.

New Zealand is affordable for students to live here and experience the great outdoors and adventure
playground, culture and arts, education and student life on and off campus. Its image is that of a clean and green environment, mountains and lakes, cities and beaches, with warm and friendly people.

New Zealand Quick Guide
Population:	4.4 million
Geographic land size:	270,000 km2
People per square kilometre:	14.9
Capital city:	Wellington
Official languages:	English and Maori
Main international airports:	Auckland, Christchurch
Political environment:	Stable parliamentary democracy
Prime Minister:	Mr John Key
Major ethnic groups:	European/Pakeha, Maori, Pacific, Asian
Major industries:	Primary products exportation, tourism, education, manufacturing, medical research, and growing creative industries such as film-making and fashion design
Web information:	www.newzealand.com

Experience the warmth of a living culture in Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture. Enveloping warmth, a proud spirit, a deep sense of history and a quick humour – qualities you will experience in your interaction with local Maori.

Rotorua has earth forces that move you – from the moment you enter Rotorua you know you are somewhere like nowhere else. The distinctive smell of sulphur together with drifts of steam escaping into the air let you know you are in Rotorua.

Rotorua boasts an array of icon experiences that together encapsulate the spirit of this remarkable country. Our welcome to you is, "Rotorua – feel the spirit – Manaakitanga." New Zealand's most visited tourist destination, hosting well over 1.5 million visitors each year, Rotorua is renowned as a safe, friendly and hospitable city. International students have been part of the city for years and their contribution to the city's culture is welcomed and valued.

Being centrally situated in the North Island of New Zealand, Rotorua is a 45-minute drive to some of New Zealand's best beaches. Venture a little further for skiing, wine-tasting and sight-seeing, all within easy reach!

Rotorua Quick Guide
Population:	70,000
Climate:	Temperate
Average summer temperature:	25ºC
Average winter temperature:	12ºC
What you can experience:	Maori culture, geothermal activity, natural spas and therapeutic waters, spectacular scenery, mountain biking and walking in the forests, playing golf, kayaking and rafting on the rivers and lakes, trout fishing, enjoy the thrills of Rotorua's adventure playground, eat at great cafés, attend cultural festivals, sporting events, museum of history and art
Major industries:	Agriculture, forestry, tourism and hospitality, education, manufacturing, construction, transport and engineering
What to pack:	For summer: lightweight clothing and layers, walking shoes, clothes for the outdoors, jandals and sunglasses; For winter: warm woollen clothes, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves and scarf
Closest airports:	Rotorua, Hamilton
Web information:	www.rotoruanz.com

The campus is surrounded by green pastures, native trees and forest with easy links to free bus services, and the centre of town. Students enjoy the campus life and facilities of the library, language laboratory, open-access computer rooms, Wi-Fi, mix with local students, sports centre, cafe, restaurant, prayer room, childcare centre and Tangatarua Marae.

Waiariki is a Government owned public institution. It is a signatory to the New Zealand Ministry of Education Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. It has qualifications which are approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and have international recognition.

Waiariki delivers applied learning at degree, diploma and certificate levels in technical, vocational and professional fields.

There are excellent employment opportunities for graduates.

About Waiariki
The name Waiariki, "water of the gods", was chosen to emphasise the regional nature of the institute and also because the name had significant meaning for the large Maori population. The Waiariki area corresponds closely with that of the Waiariki Maori land district. In addition, the name is appropriate because of the region's distinctive thermal activity.