Difference between revisions of "New Zealand"
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|government =Parliamentary Democracy | |government =Parliamentary Democracy | ||
|government-raw = | |government-raw = | ||
| − | |language =English, | + | |language =English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language |
| − | |king = | + | |king =Charles III |
| − | |queen = | + | |queen = |
|monarch-raw = | |monarch-raw = | ||
|president = | |president = | ||
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|chancellor = | |chancellor = | ||
|chancellor-raw = | |chancellor-raw = | ||
| − | |pm = | + | |pm =Christopher Luxon |
|pm-raw = | |pm-raw = | ||
|area =150,871 sq. miles | |area =150,871 sq. miles | ||
| − | |pop =4, | + | |pop =4,825,000 (2020) |
| − | |pop-basis = | + | |pop-basis = |
| − | |gdp =$ | + | |gdp =$200,000,000,000 (2020) |
| − | |gdp-year = | + | |gdp-year = |
| − | |gdp-pc =$ | + | |gdp-pc =$41,451 (2020) |
|currency =New Zealand Dollar | |currency =New Zealand Dollar | ||
|idd = | |idd = | ||
|tld = | |tld = | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | '''New Zealand''' ([[Maori]]: '''Aotearoa''' - | + | '''New Zealand''' ([[Maori]]: '''Aotearoa''' - usually translated as ''Land of the Long White Cloud'') is an country in the southern [[Pacific Ocean]] comprising two large islands (the North Island and the South Island) and numerous smaller islands, most notably [[Stewart Island]] |
| + | and the Chatham Islands. In February 2022, [[conversion therapy]] was made a criminal offense in New Zealand when provided to minors or allegedly impaired adults, carrying sentences of years in jail, as the [[homosexual agenda]] grips the country, with the agenda being heavily taught in state-owned schools to brainwash students.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/16/new-zealand-bans-conversion-practices-in-vote-hailed-as-win-for-humanity</ref> | ||
| + | In New Zealand's further plunge into [[tyranny]], it banned its own former deputy prime minister, Winston Peters, for two years from the grounds of its parliament “for visiting anti-[[vaccine]]-mandate protesters who occupied the grounds, to which he properly complained, “This dictatorial behaviour … should be reserved for third world banana republics.”<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/03/nzs-former-deputy-pm-banned-from-parliament-for-visiting-anti-vaccine-mandate-protest</ref> | ||
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| + | New Zealand is named after [[Zeeland]], a province of the Netherlands. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are self-governing, but in 'free association'; Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand's Antarctic territorial claim). New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation, being separated from Australia to the northwest by the Tasman Sea, approximately 2000 kilometers (1250 miles) across. Its closest neighbors to the north are [[New Caledonia]], [[Fiji]], and [[Tonga]]. [[Wellington]] is the capital of New Zealand and second largest city; [[Auckland]] is the largest city with [[Christchurch]] the third largest and largest in the South Island. The city of Auckland, which is New Zealand's most religious region, is projected to grow in population due to religious immigrants and the higher fertility rate of religious immigrants (See: [[Auckland, New Zealand will grow in influence and population in New Zealand due to Christian, Muslim and Hindu immigrants and the higher fertility rate of religious immigrants]]). | ||
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| + | Prior to its takeover by [[liberal]]s, New Zealand was traditionally a relatively [[conservative]] country in the [[British Empire]], but never anywhere near the high level of [[conservative populism]] found in the [[United States]]. | ||
==People== | ==People== | ||
| − | [[File:Maori people New Zealand.jpg|thumb|left|300px| | + | [[File:Maori people New Zealand.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Māori people.]] |
| − | Most of the | + | Most of the 5 million New Zealanders are descendants of immigrants from the British Isles. About 17% claim Māori descent although it is now assumed, but not confirmed, that there are now no full blooded Māori left. Nearly 76% of the people, including a large majority of Māori, live in the North Island. In addition, 318,642 Pacific peoples live in New Zealand, primarily in Auckland. During the late 1870s, natural increase permanently replaced immigration as the chief contributor to population growth and accounted for more than 75% of population growth in the 20th century. Nearly 85% of New Zealand's population lives in urban areas (with over one million in Auckland alone), where the service and manufacturing industries are growing rapidly. The capital city, [[Wellington]], is the second largest city with a population just under 500,000 - many of whom work in government services. Wellington is also the home of Weta Workshop, [[Peter Jackson]]'s effects and production company. New Zealanders colloquially refer to themselves as "Kiwis," after the country's native bird.<ref>https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/2018-census-population-and-dwelling-counts</ref> |
| − | *Population: | + | *Population: 5,124,100. |
*Annual growth rate (since December 2006): 0.7%. | *Annual growth rate (since December 2006): 0.7%. | ||
| − | *Ethnic groups: European 64.8%; | + | *Ethnic groups: European 64.8%; Māori (or part Māori) 14%; Asian 8.8%; other Polynesian Pacific peoples 6.6%; Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African 0.9%; other 10.7%. (Note: People can choose to identify with more than one ethnic group.) |
| − | *Religions: Christian | + | *Religions: Christian 48.9%,<ref>http://archive.stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/profile-and-summary-reports/quickstats-culture-identity/religion.aspx</ref> no religion 41.9% (see also: [[Irreligion in New Zealand]]), Hindu 1.6%, Buddhist 1.3%, Islam/Muslim 0.9%, Jewish 0.2%, Spiritualism/New Age 0.5%, other 0.6%. Expected future trend in the 21st century: [[Postsecularism and New Zealand in the 21st century]] and [[Growth of evangelical Christianity in New Zealand]] and [[Growth of the "nones" in New Zealand, its cap on future growth and expected decline, its effect on New Zealand politics]] |
| − | *Languages: English, | + | |
| − | *Education: Years | + | [[File:Eugene von Guerard Lake Wakatipu with Mount Earnslaw Middle Island New Zealand 1877–79.jpg|thumb|Eugene von Guerard, Lake Wakatipu with Mount Earnslaw, Middle Island, 1877–79.]] |
| + | *Languages: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language. | ||
| + | *Education: Years compulsory—ages 5–16. Attendance—100%. Literacy—99%. | ||
*Health: Infant mortality rate (December 2006)--5.1/1,000. Life expectancy (December 2006)--males 77.9 yrs., females 81.9 yrs. | *Health: Infant mortality rate (December 2006)--5.1/1,000. Life expectancy (December 2006)--males 77.9 yrs., females 81.9 yrs. | ||
| − | *Work force: 75.2% of 15-64 year olds or 2.057 million. Services and | + | *Work force: 75.2% of 15-64 year olds or 2.057 million. Services and government—59%; manufacturing and construction—32%; agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and mining—8.9%. |
| + | === New Zealand and its growing problem of hyper-aging towns and cities === | ||
| − | + | ''See also:'' [[New Zealand, its growing problem of hyper-aging areas and desecularization]] | |
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| − | + | [[File:New Zealand road sign WU11 (Elderly).png|thumbnail|250px|left|New Zealand road sign indicating that elderly people are in the area. | |
| − | [[File: | + | <br /> |
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| + | New Zealand’s towns and cities are rapidly becoming ‘hyper-aged’.<ref>[https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/24-11-2022/welcome-to-the-hyper-ageing-nation-that-is-new-zealand ''Welcome to the hyper-ageing nation that is New Zealand''] by Charlie Mitchell, November 24, 2022, The Spinoff (originally appeared in Stuff.NZ.CO)</ref>]] | ||
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| + | MacauBusiness.com notes: "The [[World Health Organization]] defines a country as having an “ageing society” when the proportion of people aged 65 or more is between 7 and 14 per cent of the total population; as having an “aged society” if this proportion is between 15 and 20 per cent; and as having a “super-” or “hyper-aged society” when this proportion is 21 per cent or higher."<ref>[https://www.macaubusiness.com/special-report-2031-the-hyper-aging-society-scenario/ Special Report – 2031: The hyper-aging society scenario], MacauBusiness.com, 2021</ref> | ||
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| + | According to the New Zealand government: "By 2030, it is expected that 19–21 percent of New Zealanders will be aged 65+, compared with 16 percent in 2020. By 2048, this proportion is expected to reach 21–26 percent, and reach 24–34 percent by 2073."<ref>[https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/national-population-projections-2020base2073 National population projections: 2020(base)–2073], www.stats.govt.nz website</ref> Japan, which has the highest percentage of individuals above 65 years old, had 28.2 percent of its population above 65 years old in 2019.<ref>[https://www.prb.org/resources/countries-with-the-oldest-populations-in-the-world/ Countries With the Oldest Populations in the World], Population Reference Bureau: Sources: United Nations Population Division, World Population Prospects 2019, https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/, and Toshiko Kaneda, Charlotte Greenbaum, and Kaitlyn Patierno, 2019 World Population Data Sheet (Washington, DC: Population Reference Bureau, 2019).</ref> | ||
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| + | The 2022 journal article ''A “death-laden society”: The next stage of a hyper-aged Japan and health challenges ahead'' published in the ''Aging and Health Research'' journal indicated about aging "death laden" societies: "A death-laden society is when the whole society, including younger people, are overwhelmed with the burdens of the ballooning deaths of those in advanced age at a scale unparalleled in history."<ref>[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667032122000567#:~:text=Preceding%20the%20rest%20of%20the%20world%2C%20in%202007%20Japan%20became,or%20older2%20%5B1%5D. ''A “death-laden society”: The next stage of a hyper-aged Japan and health challenges ahead''] by Masa Higo, ''Aging and Health Research'' | ||
| + | Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ahr.2022.100110</ref> | ||
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| + | [[File:Elderly NZ woman in a car.jpg|thumbnail|350px|right|Naval Reservists from HMNZS Pegasus Christchurch, New Zealand chats with an elderly lady as she enquires about the earthquake damage to the Coptic Orthodox Church on Edgeware Road.]] | ||
| + | On November 24, 2022, the article ''Welcome to the hyper-ageing nation that is New Zealand'' indicated: | ||
| + | {{Cquote|New Zealand’s towns and cities are rapidly becoming ‘hyper-aged’, which will have far-reaching consequences for society and the economy. Population projections show it won’t affect all areas equally, and those most impacted will have difficult decisions to make... | ||
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| + | Hyper-aged is an unusual term – and might even sound derogatory – but it’s a technical description for any population where the proportion of people aged-65+ is more than 20%. | ||
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| + | In most cases, structural ageing cannot be reversed. Once natural decrease sets in, the only way to increase the population is through migration – either national or international. | ||
| − | + | [https://www.waikato.ac.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/676188/The-unavoidable-nature-of-population-ageing.pdf Research suggests] the level of migration required to balance natural decline is unrealistic, and that “even extremely high migration levels would have only minimal impact” on the proportion of the 65+ population. | |
| − | + | Another problem is that migrants themselves get older, which adds to structural ageing. Maintaining a balance would require an exponential increase in migrant numbers over time. Councils can try to encourage residents of other areas to relocate, but many communities will be in the same position – they’ll be competing with each other for a dwindling proportion of younger people.<ref>[https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/24-11-2022/welcome-to-the-hyper-ageing-nation-that-is-new-zealand ''Welcome to the hyper-ageing nation that is New Zealand''] by Charlie Mitchell, November 24, 2022, The Spinoff (origininally appeared in Stuff.NZ.CO)</ref>}} | |
| − | + | As far as the potential economic effects of hyper-aging areas of New Zealand, ''Wired'' magazine's article on hyper-aging areas indicates concerning Japan: | |
| + | {{Cquote|There are an estimated eight million ghost houses in Japan. With such plentiful supply we might expect a slump, in which prices tumble, but something new and extreme happens: in a vanishing village there is no price, however low, at which people will buy. The market is not depressed, but frozen. This chill goes further than economics: when a town is disappearing, local politics becomes pointless: across Japan, one-fifth of seats in the 2015 local elections went uncontested. | ||
| − | + | The solution to these problems will need to be extreme: bulldozing unwanted properties, rewilding deserted areas, and finding new ways to engage rural voters and politicians. Ageing is itself a pandemic, one that we will need to begin tackling as soon as Covid-19 is under control.<ref>[https://www.wired.co.uk/article/future-economy-richard-davies The next economic shock will be hyper-aged societies], Wired magazine, 2020</ref>}} | |
== Government == | == Government == | ||
[[File:Municipal Offices Public Library Timaru NZ PD.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Municipal Offices, Public Library, Timaru.]] | [[File:Municipal Offices Public Library Timaru NZ PD.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Municipal Offices, Public Library, Timaru.]] | ||
| − | New Zealand | + | New Zealand was a parliamentary [[democracy]]. During the [[CCP global pandemic]] it became a left-wing fascist totalitarian state. Under the Royal Titles Act (1953), King Charles III is King of New Zealand and is represented as head of state by the Governor-General, currently Cindy Kiro. |
| − | New Zealand is the only country in the world in which all the highest offices in the land have been occupied simultaneously by women: Queen [[Elizabeth II]], Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, Prime Minister [[Helen Clark]], Speaker of the House of Representatives Margaret Wilson and Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias were all in office between March 2005 and August 2006. | + | New Zealand is the only country in the world in which all the highest offices in the land have been occupied simultaneously by women: Queen [[Elizabeth II]], Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, Prime Minister [[Helen Clark]], Speaker of the House of Representatives Margaret Wilson and Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias were all in office between March 2005 and August 2006. This has been repeated as of 2018 with Queen [[Elizabeth II]], Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister. |
| − | New Zealand's first woman prime minister was Jenny Shipley, however Helen Clark lays claim to be the first ''elected'' woman prime minister, as Jenny Shipley was appointed to the role by the National Party Caucus to replace the Prime Minister of the time, Jim Bolger. | + | New Zealand's first woman prime minister was Jenny Shipley, however Helen Clark lays claim to be the first ''elected'' woman prime minister, as Jenny Shipley was appointed to the role by the National Party Caucus to replace the Prime Minister of the time, Jim Bolger, after a coup to remove him as leader was successful. |
| − | The New Zealand Parliament<ref>[http://www.govt.nz/ Official government site]</ref> has only one chamber, the House of Representatives, which usually seats 120 Members of Parliament. Parliamentary general elections are held every three years under a form of [[proportional representation]] called Mixed Member Proportional. The 2005 General Election created an 'overhang' of one extra seat, occupied by the Māori Party, due to that party winning more seats in electorates than the number of seats its proportion of the party vote would have given it. The position of Prime Minister falls to the leader of the | + | The New Zealand Parliament<ref>[http://www.govt.nz/ Official government site]</ref> has only one chamber, the House of Representatives, which usually seats 120 Members of Parliament. Parliamentary general elections are held every three years under a form of [[proportional representation]] called Mixed Member Proportional. The 2005 General Election created an 'overhang' of one extra seat, occupied by the Māori Party, due to that party winning more seats in electorates than the number of seats its proportion of the party vote would have given it. The position of Prime Minister usually falls to the leader of the largest party in Parliament, however since 1996 all ruling parties have been ''minority'' parties which bolster their numbers by forming coalitions with minor parties. |
[[Image:Auckland - New Zealand.jpg|thumb|300px|Auckland]] | [[Image:Auckland - New Zealand.jpg|thumb|300px|Auckland]] | ||
There is no written constitution: the Constitution Act 1986 is the principal formal statement of New Zealand's constitutional structure. The rules regulating the running of the country are primarily constitutional conventions which are not codified and subject to evolution. Despite this unconventional approach to governance New Zealand is yet to have any major constitutional crises. The Governor-General has the power to appoint and dismiss Prime Ministers and to dissolve Parliament. The Governor-General also chairs the Executive Council, which is a formal committee consisting of all ministers of the Crown. Members of the Executive Council are required to be Members of Parliament, and most are also in Cabinet. Cabinet is the most senior policy-making body and is led by the Prime Minister, who is also, by convention, the Parliamentary leader of the governing party or coalition. | There is no written constitution: the Constitution Act 1986 is the principal formal statement of New Zealand's constitutional structure. The rules regulating the running of the country are primarily constitutional conventions which are not codified and subject to evolution. Despite this unconventional approach to governance New Zealand is yet to have any major constitutional crises. The Governor-General has the power to appoint and dismiss Prime Ministers and to dissolve Parliament. The Governor-General also chairs the Executive Council, which is a formal committee consisting of all ministers of the Crown. Members of the Executive Council are required to be Members of Parliament, and most are also in Cabinet. Cabinet is the most senior policy-making body and is led by the Prime Minister, who is also, by convention, the Parliamentary leader of the governing party or coalition. | ||
| − | The current Prime Minister is | + | The current Prime Minister is Chris Hipkins, leader of the New Zealand Labour Party, replacing the far-Left [[Jacinda Ardern]] in both capacities in January 2023. |
| − | + | Following the 8th of November 2008 election, the National Party had signed confidence and supply agreements with the ACT, the Māori Party and United Future, allowing them to form a government. This entitled some members of the above parties to ministerial positions outside of cabinet. Keys and his party retained power, able to form a minority government following the general election on 20 September 2014; however the General Election of September 2017 saw the Nationals defeated by the New Zealand Labour Party. Jacinda Ardern became leader of the party and subsequently, Prime Minister. | |
The highest court in New Zealand is the Supreme Court of New Zealand. This was established in 2004 following the passage of the Supreme Court Act 2003, which also abolished the option to appeal to the Privy Council in London. The current Chief Justice is Dame Sian Elias. New Zealand's judiciary also includes the High Court, which deals with serious criminal offences, civil matters and judicial review. The court system also includes the Court of Appeal, and subordinate courts. | The highest court in New Zealand is the Supreme Court of New Zealand. This was established in 2004 following the passage of the Supreme Court Act 2003, which also abolished the option to appeal to the Privy Council in London. The current Chief Justice is Dame Sian Elias. New Zealand's judiciary also includes the High Court, which deals with serious criminal offences, civil matters and judicial review. The court system also includes the Court of Appeal, and subordinate courts. | ||
| − | The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the | + | The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. The defence forces hold commissions and warrants from the Queen, signed on her behalf by her representaddtive the Governor General. However command of the armed forces is by order of Parliament, rather than by the Queen. |
===Principal Government Officials=== | ===Principal Government Officials=== | ||
| − | *Chief of | + | *Chief of State—King Charles III |
| − | *Governor | + | *Governor General—Cindy Kiro |
| − | *Prime | + | *Prime Minister—Chris Hipkins |
| − | *Foreign | + | *Foreign Minister—Nanaia Mahuta |
| − | *Ambassador to the United | + | *Ambassador to the United Nations—Lucy Duncan |
===Political Conditions=== | ===Political Conditions=== | ||
| − | The traditionally conservative National Party and left-leaning Labour Party have dominated New Zealand political life since a Labour government came to power in 1935. During its first 14 years in office, the Labour Party implemented a broad array of social and economic legislation, including comprehensive social security, a large-scale public works program, a 40-hour workweek, a minimum basic wage, and compulsory unionism. The National Party won control of the government in 1949 and adopted many welfare measures instituted by the Labour Party. Except for two brief periods of Labour governments in 1957-60 and | + | [[File:Wellington New Zealand WC.jpg|thumb|280px|left|Wellington, the capital city.]] |
| + | New Zealand has one of the longest unbroken democracies in political history, operating for over 150 years without any major uprising or political scandals. New Zealand was also the first nation in the world to achieve full suffage by allowing woman to vote.<ref>http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/womens-suffrage</ref> The traditionally conservative National Party and left-leaning Labour Party have dominated New Zealand political life since a Labour government came to power in 1935. During its first 14 years in office, the Labour Party implemented a broad array of social and economic legislation, including comprehensive social security, a large-scale public works program, a 40-hour workweek, a minimum [[basic wage]], and compulsory unionism. The National Party won control of the government in 1949 and adopted many welfare measures instituted by the Labour Party. Except for two brief periods of Labour governments in 1957-60 and 1972–75, National held power until 1984. After regaining control in 1984, the Labour government instituted a series of radical market-oriented reforms in response to New Zealand's mounting external debt. | ||
At this time, the Labour government also enacted anti-nuclear legislation that effectively brought about New Zealand's suspension from the ANZUS security alliance with the United States and Australia. New Zealand's nuclear-free status has widespread support from the New Zealand public. An alleged comment by National Party leader Don Brash in 2004 to a group of American senators that NZ's anti-nuclear status would be 'gone by lunchtime' caused a minor political scandal. | At this time, the Labour government also enacted anti-nuclear legislation that effectively brought about New Zealand's suspension from the ANZUS security alliance with the United States and Australia. New Zealand's nuclear-free status has widespread support from the New Zealand public. An alleged comment by National Party leader Don Brash in 2004 to a group of American senators that NZ's anti-nuclear status would be 'gone by lunchtime' caused a minor political scandal. | ||
In October 1990, the National Party again formed the government, for the first of three 3-year terms. In 1996, New Zealand inaugurated a mixed-member proportional (MMP) system to elect its parliament. The system was designed to increase representation of smaller parties in parliament and appears to have done so in the MMP elections to date. Since 1996, neither the National nor the Labour Party has had an absolute majority in parliament, and for all but one of those years, the government has been a minority one. The Labour Party won elections in November 1999 and again in July 2002. In 2002 Labour formed a coalition, minority government with the Progressive Coalition, an economically left-wing but socially conservative party holding two seats in parliament. The government relied on support from the centrist United Future Party to pass legislation. | In October 1990, the National Party again formed the government, for the first of three 3-year terms. In 1996, New Zealand inaugurated a mixed-member proportional (MMP) system to elect its parliament. The system was designed to increase representation of smaller parties in parliament and appears to have done so in the MMP elections to date. Since 1996, neither the National nor the Labour Party has had an absolute majority in parliament, and for all but one of those years, the government has been a minority one. The Labour Party won elections in November 1999 and again in July 2002. In 2002 Labour formed a coalition, minority government with the Progressive Coalition, an economically left-wing but socially conservative party holding two seats in parliament. The government relied on support from the centrist United Future Party to pass legislation. | ||
| − | + | [[File:Hawke's Bay region view.jpg|thumbnail|300px|thumbnail|Hawk's Bay region in New Zealand.]] | |
| − | Following a narrow victory in the September 2005 general elections, Labour formed a coalition with the one-seat Progressive Party. The government also entered into limited support agreements with the United Future New Zealand and NZ First Parties, whose leaders were respectively given the Revenue and Foreign Affairs ministerial positions outside of the cabinet. This gave Labour an effective one-seat majority with which to pass legislation in parliament. Labour also secured an assurance from the Green Party that it will abstain from a vote of confidence against the government. The 2005 elections saw the new | + | Following a narrow victory in the September 2005 general elections, Labour formed a coalition with the one-seat Progressive Party. The government also entered into limited support agreements with the United Future New Zealand and NZ First Parties, whose leaders were respectively given the Revenue and Foreign Affairs ministerial positions outside of the cabinet. This gave Labour an effective one-seat majority with which to pass legislation in parliament. Labour also secured an assurance from the Green Party that it will abstain from a vote of confidence against the government. The 2005 elections saw the new Māori Party win four out of the seven reserved Māori seats. There are 121 current members of parliament, the additional seat the result of an overhang from 2005 elections. There are currently two independent members of parliament (MPs): a former Labour Party MP and a former United Future New Zealand MP, both of whom left their respective parties in 2007. The general election held in November 2008 resulted in a Minority National government led by John Key. In the election of November 2011 it resulted in the reelection of the minority National government, with confidence and supply agreements with the Māori party, ACT New Zealand and United Future. The elections of 2014 saw National gain a greater majority of the vote than it had in the previous 2 elections - something unheard of before in New Zealand politics. John Key was now the most popular Prime Minister New Zealand has ever had and his ability to lead a stable, scandal free, government while achieving economic and social success stories are the envy of other governments. He stood down in December 2016 and was replaced by Bill English. |
===Foreign Policy=== | ===Foreign Policy=== | ||
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Conversely, New Zealand sent troops to [[Afghanistan]] to aid the American Army. | Conversely, New Zealand sent troops to [[Afghanistan]] to aid the American Army. | ||
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| + | New Zealand has prospered due to its pampered status under the U.S. defense umbrella. selling its agricultural goods in Japan and more recently the [[Peoples Republic of China]]. | ||
===National Security=== | ===National Security=== | ||
[[File:Boer War Memorial, Dunedin, NZ soldiers.JPG|thumb|400px|Boer War Memorial, Dunedin.]] | [[File:Boer War Memorial, Dunedin, NZ soldiers.JPG|thumb|400px|Boer War Memorial, Dunedin.]] | ||
| − | New Zealand is a party to the ANZUS security treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the US. While the treaty was once fully mutual between Australia, New Zealand and the United States, this is no longer the case. Since February 1985, New Zealand has refused nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships access to its ports. In 1986, the United States announced that it was suspending its treaty security obligations to New Zealand pending the restoration of port access. The New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987 prohibits the stationing of nuclear weapons on the territory of New Zealand and the entry into New Zealand waters of nuclear armed or propelled ships. This legislation remains a source of contention and the basis for the United States' continued suspension of treaty obligations to New Zealand. Due to the US Navy policy of refusing to confirm or deny the presence of nuclear arms on any US Navy ship, the only US naval ships to enter NZ waters since that time have been unarmed auxiliary units with some exceptions where the US State Department have over-ruled the Naval policy for specific ships on visits. | + | New Zealand is a party to the ANZUS security treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the US. While the treaty was once fully mutual between Australia, New Zealand and the United States, this is no longer the case. Since February 1985, New Zealand has refused nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships access to its ports. In 1986, the United States announced that it was suspending its treaty security obligations to New Zealand pending the restoration of port access. The New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987 prohibits the stationing of nuclear weapons on the territory of New Zealand and the entry into New Zealand waters of nuclear armed or propelled ships. This legislation remains a source of contention and the basis for the United States' continued suspension of treaty obligations to New Zealand. Due to the US Navy policy of refusing to confirm or deny the presence of [[nuclear arms]] on any [[US Navy]] ship, the only US naval ships to enter NZ waters since that time have been unarmed auxiliary units with some exceptions where the US State Department have over-ruled the Naval policy for specific ships on visits. |
| − | In addition to the various wars between | + | In addition to the various wars between Māori tribes, and between the British settlers and certain tribes, New Zealand has fought in the Second Boer War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency (and committed troops, fighters and bombers to the subsequent confrontation with Indonesia), the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the Afghanistan War. New Zealand refused to participate in the Iraq War without UN sanction. However, they sent a unit of army engineers to help rebuild Iraqi infrastructure for one year following the invasion. |
The New Zealand military has three branches: the New Zealand Army, the Royal New Zealand Navy, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. New Zealand considers its own national defence needs to be modest; it dismantled its air combat capability in 2001. New Zealand has contributed forces to recent regional and global peacekeeping missions, including those in Cyprus, Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Sinai, Angola, Cambodia, the Iran/Iraq border, Bougainville and East Timor. | The New Zealand military has three branches: the New Zealand Army, the Royal New Zealand Navy, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. New Zealand considers its own national defence needs to be modest; it dismantled its air combat capability in 2001. New Zealand has contributed forces to recent regional and global peacekeeping missions, including those in Cyprus, Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Sinai, Angola, Cambodia, the Iran/Iraq border, Bougainville and East Timor. | ||
| − | New Zealand has three defense policy | + | New Zealand has three defense policy objectives—defend New Zealand against low-level threats, contribute to regional security, and play a part in global security efforts. New Zealand has considered its own national defense needs to be modest. Its defense budget generally has provided for selected upgrades in equipment. Shortly after winning the 1999 election, the Labour government canceled a lease-to-buy agreement with the U.S. for 28 F-16 aircraft. However, Labour did embark on a significant defense upgrade and acquisition plan. All three services have benefited from the upgrades/acquisitions. In 2001, the government contracted to purchase 105 LAVIIIs for U.S. $300 million, with delivery completed in 2005. The Army also purchased 321 Light Operational Vehicles to make its forces more mobile. In 2002, New Zealand announced planned upgrades of its P3 and C-130 Hercules aircraft, and purchased two Boeing 757 aircraft for U.S. $100 million. In 2006 New Zealand contracted with NH Industries to purchase eight NH-90 aircraft to start delivery in 2009. In 2007 they entered an agreement to purchase 12 A-109 light helicopters from Agosta to also start delivery in 2009. The P-3s, C-130s, and B-757s are all currently being upgraded/modified. In 2007, the Navy began accepting delivery of the U.S. $250 million Project Protector program consisting of one multi-role vessel (MRV), two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), and four inshore patrol vessels (IPVs). |
In May 2001, the government announced it was scrapping its combat air force. New Zealand states it maintains a "credible minimum force," although critics maintain that the country's defense forces have fallen below this standard. New Zealand still maintains the fleet of A-4 Skyhawk jets and Aerromacche jets left over from the scrapping of its combat air force. Its attempts to sell the jets have thus far failed. | In May 2001, the government announced it was scrapping its combat air force. New Zealand states it maintains a "credible minimum force," although critics maintain that the country's defense forces have fallen below this standard. New Zealand still maintains the fleet of A-4 Skyhawk jets and Aerromacche jets left over from the scrapping of its combat air force. Its attempts to sell the jets have thus far failed. | ||
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New Zealand is an active participant in multilateral peacekeeping. It has taken a leading role in trying to bring peace, reconciliation, and reconstruction to the Solomon Islands and the neighboring island of Bougainville. New Zealand maintains a contingent in the Sinai Multinational Force and Observers and has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations in Angola, Cambodia, Somalia, and the former Yugoslavia. It also participated in the Multilateral Interception Force in the Persian Gulf. New Zealand's most recent peacekeeping operations experience has been in Timor-Leste, where it initially dispatched almost 10% of its entire defense force. New Zealand participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and has fielded a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan, as well as having deployed a frigate to the Gulf of Oman. In support of the effort to reconstruct Iraq, New Zealand deployed an engineering team to the country. | New Zealand is an active participant in multilateral peacekeeping. It has taken a leading role in trying to bring peace, reconciliation, and reconstruction to the Solomon Islands and the neighboring island of Bougainville. New Zealand maintains a contingent in the Sinai Multinational Force and Observers and has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations in Angola, Cambodia, Somalia, and the former Yugoslavia. It also participated in the Multilateral Interception Force in the Persian Gulf. New Zealand's most recent peacekeeping operations experience has been in Timor-Leste, where it initially dispatched almost 10% of its entire defense force. New Zealand participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and has fielded a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan, as well as having deployed a frigate to the Gulf of Oman. In support of the effort to reconstruct Iraq, New Zealand deployed an engineering team to the country. | ||
| − | New Zealand participates in sharing training facilities, personnel exchanges, and joint exercises with the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Brunei, Tonga, and South Pacific states. It also exercises with its Five-Power Defense Arrangement | + | New Zealand participates in sharing training facilities, personnel exchanges, and joint exercises with the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Brunei, Tonga, and South Pacific states. It also exercises with its Five-Power Defense Arrangement partners—Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Singapore. Due to New Zealand's antinuclear policy, defense cooperation with the U.S., including training exercises, has been significantly restricted since 1986. |
| + | |||
| + | ===Covid pandemic=== | ||
| + | [[File:New-Zealand-KFC.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Contraband seized during New Zealand's left-wing fascist Covid [[lockdown]].]] | ||
| + | {{See also|CCP global pandemic}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | The first COVID-19 case found in New Zealand was found on February the 28th, 2020.<ref>https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/410625/new-zealand-confirms-case-of-covid-19-coronavirus</ref> This launched brainwashed people to start panic-buying, the result left supermarkets overwhelmed, and brainwashed people fearing over just one case.<ref>https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018736380/panic-buying-hits-headlines-after-first-coronavirus-case</ref> The country reported its second case on the 4th of March, 2020. Cases that were reported by the government were slowly growing, until according to the government, it started "spreading in the community". On the March 21, 2020, the radical far-Left prime minister, [[Jacinda Ardern]], declared a "four-tier alert level system", meaning the higher the level, the more restrictions. On March 25, 2020, the changes went into effect, and plunged the country into a "level four" emergency shutdown. People in New Zealand were forced to stay at home, "Do not talk to your neighbours", wear a mask, maintain 2 meters from people outside your household, and only go out for "essential things" such as food shopping, healthcare or testing for the virus. The shutdown was in effect for a mind-numbingly long 47 days, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs and thousands of businesses were severely impacted due to the ruling of the far-left radical prime minister. As a result of this, the lockdowns were praised by many leftists (mostly the MSN). | ||
| + | |||
| + | On 11 August 2020, Jacinda plunged [[Auckland]], the largest city in New Zealand, into a "level three" shutdown, meaning that it was similar to "level four" except for people being able to go out for takeaways, which was still outrageous. This was caused because of only a handful of Covid cases in Auckland, which showed the radicalness of Jacinda.<ref>https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/08/coronavirus-live-updates-covid-19-in-community-auckland-going-to-level-3.html</ref> The lockdown lasted for a few weeks, but thousands of jobs were lost as the result of the decision. | ||
| + | |||
| + | On February 14, 2021, Jacinda once again plunged [[Auckland]] into a "level three" shutdown, over another small handful of community cases.<ref>https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-auckland-in-level-3-lockdown-rest-of-country-at-level-2/XIHDKTK57ZKASTIEZNOLQZUUGY/</ref> This was the third lockdown that Jacinda plunged Auckland in. The shutdown lasted for three days and restrictions were slowly lifted. However, just a few weeks later, on 28 February 2021, [[Auckland]] was once again plunged into a "level three" shutdown, over a small handful of community cases. This shutdown lasted for a week, and restrictions were slowly lifted after that. All of this shows the extreme nature of the prime minister pushing an agenda on the people. | ||
| + | |||
| + | On August 17, 2021, the extreme radicalized [[far-left]] prime minister, [[Jacinda Ardern]], announced a “level four” emergency shutdown. As a result of the ‘level-four’ restrictions, the people in New Zealand were instructed to stay at home, “Do not talk to your neighbors”, wear a mask, maintain 2 meters social distance, and stay away from others if you leave your home for the three approved reasons: Emergency food shopping, healthcare or testing. This was a radical decision, over one community case, and this lockdown was longer than the first lockdown. It lasted from August 2021 all the way until December 2021, an absolutely mind-numbingly long time. Auckland was placed in a level-4 lockdown, meaning all restaurants were shut down even for takeout, and people within the L4 zone are to remain in strict isolation bubbles and quarantine confinement. Enforcement of the quarantine bubbles are carried out by police and military units. Police checkpoints keep citizens from traveling into or out of the quarantine perimeter of [[Auckland]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | After an extensive sting operation and police chase, law enforcement announced they successfully arrested three men who were attempting to gain re-entry into Auckland with a significant amount of contraband [[Kentucky Fried Chicken]], ten tubs of coleslaw, and an undisclosed quantity of french fries. A breach of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act can result in imprisonment for up to six months; or a fine of up to $4,000.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/21/new-zealand-police-arrest-pair-trying-to-enter-auckland-with-large-amount-of-kfc</ref> | ||
==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
New Zealand's economy historically has been based on a foundation of exports from its very efficient agricultural system. Leading agricultural exports include dairy products, meat, forest products, fruit and vegetables, fish, and wool. New Zealand was a direct [[beneficiary]] of many of the reforms achieved under the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations, with agriculture in general and the dairy sector in particular enjoying many new trade opportunities. | New Zealand's economy historically has been based on a foundation of exports from its very efficient agricultural system. Leading agricultural exports include dairy products, meat, forest products, fruit and vegetables, fish, and wool. New Zealand was a direct [[beneficiary]] of many of the reforms achieved under the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations, with agriculture in general and the dairy sector in particular enjoying many new trade opportunities. | ||
| − | The country has substantial hydroelectric power and reserves of natural gas, although the largest natural gas condensate and oil | + | The country has substantial hydroelectric power and reserves of natural gas, although the largest natural gas condensate and oil field—supplying nearly 75% of the country's hydrocarbons—is expected to be tapped out by 2009. As of 2015 New Zealand generates over 80% of its power from renewable resources.<ref>http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/energy/energy-data-modelling/publications/energy-in-new-zealand</ref> Leading manufacturing sectors are food processing, wood and paper products, and metal fabrication. Service industries, particularly financial, insurance, and business services, form a significant part of New Zealand's economy. As of September 2007 New Zealand had 1,505,100 Internet subscribers, amounting to approximately 65% of New Zealand households, ranking above Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. |
Since 1984, government subsidies including for agriculture were eliminated; import regulations liberalized; tariffs unilaterally slashed; exchange rates freely floated; controls on interest rates, wages, and prices removed; and marginal rates of taxation reduced. Tight monetary policy and major efforts to reduce the government budget deficit brought the [[inflation]] rate down from an annual rate of more than 18% in 1987. The restructuring and sale of government-owned enterprises in the 1990s reduced government's role in the economy and permitted the retirement of some public debt. As a result, New Zealand is now one of the most open economies in the world. | Since 1984, government subsidies including for agriculture were eliminated; import regulations liberalized; tariffs unilaterally slashed; exchange rates freely floated; controls on interest rates, wages, and prices removed; and marginal rates of taxation reduced. Tight monetary policy and major efforts to reduce the government budget deficit brought the [[inflation]] rate down from an annual rate of more than 18% in 1987. The restructuring and sale of government-owned enterprises in the 1990s reduced government's role in the economy and permitted the retirement of some public debt. As a result, New Zealand is now one of the most open economies in the world. | ||
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In the statistical year ending September 2007, the economy grew 2.7%, an increase over the 2.2% growth rate in 2006. Household spending was up 3.4%, and investment in new housing was up 2.2%. The demand for new housing is in part driven by immigration, but the net increase in new arrivals has begun to slow. The net permanent long-term migration inflow to New Zealand in the year ending February 2008 amounted to 4,600, down from a net inflow of 13,200 in 2007. The net outflow to Australia was 29,600 in the year ending February 2008, reaching the highest level since 2001, when it was 30,000. New Zealand did not experience the slowdown in growth seen in many other countries following the terrorist events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent fall in overseas share markets. The prolonged period of good economic growth led the unemployment rate to drop from 7.8% in 1999 to 3.2% as of December 2007. | In the statistical year ending September 2007, the economy grew 2.7%, an increase over the 2.2% growth rate in 2006. Household spending was up 3.4%, and investment in new housing was up 2.2%. The demand for new housing is in part driven by immigration, but the net increase in new arrivals has begun to slow. The net permanent long-term migration inflow to New Zealand in the year ending February 2008 amounted to 4,600, down from a net inflow of 13,200 in 2007. The net outflow to Australia was 29,600 in the year ending February 2008, reaching the highest level since 2001, when it was 30,000. New Zealand did not experience the slowdown in growth seen in many other countries following the terrorist events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent fall in overseas share markets. The prolonged period of good economic growth led the unemployment rate to drop from 7.8% in 1999 to 3.2% as of December 2007. | ||
| − | New Zealand's economy has been helped by strong economic relations with Australia. New Zealand and Australia are partners in "Closer Economic Relations" (CER), which allows for free trade in goods and most services. Since 1990, CER has created a single market of more than 22 million people, and this has provided new opportunities for New Zealand exporters. Australia is now the destination of 20% of New Zealand's exports, compared to 14% in 1983. Both sides also have agreed to consider extending CER to product standardization and taxation policy. New Zealand has had a free trade agreement with Singapore since 2001. In July 2005, both countries joined with Chile and Brunei to form a Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership, liberalizing trade in goods and services between them. In April 2005, New Zealand initialed a free-trade deal with Thailand. In April 2008 New Zealand concluded a free trade agreement (FTA) with China and is negotiating an FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). New Zealand held its first round of the New Zealand-GCC FTA in Wellington in July 2007 with representatives from the Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman). | + | In January 2023, New Zealand's business confidence slumped to its worst since the 1970s due to higher interest rates, weaker demand and labor shortages.<ref>[https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zealand-business-confidence-slumps-worst-225738685.html New Zealand Business Confidence Slumps to Worst Since 1970s], Yahoo News syndicated from Bloomberg News, January 2023</ref> See: [[Labor shortages and desecularization projected to be faster in New Zealand in the 21st century]] |
| + | |||
| + | In the past, New Zealand's economy has been helped by strong economic relations with Australia. New Zealand and Australia are partners in "Closer Economic Relations" (CER), which allows for free trade in goods and most services. Since 1990, CER has created a single market of more than 22 million people, and this has provided new opportunities for New Zealand exporters. Australia is now the destination of 20% of New Zealand's exports, compared to 14% in 1983. Both sides also have agreed to consider extending CER to product standardization and taxation policy. New Zealand has had a free trade agreement with Singapore since 2001. In July 2005, both countries joined with Chile and Brunei to form a Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership, liberalizing trade in goods and services between them. In April 2005, New Zealand initialed a free-trade deal with Thailand. In April 2008 New Zealand concluded a free trade agreement (FTA) with China and is negotiating an FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). New Zealand held its first round of the New Zealand-GCC FTA in Wellington in July 2007 with representatives from the Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman). | ||
[[File:New-Zealand-Malaysia-Free-Trade-Agreement.jpg|thumb|330px|New Zealand - [[Malaysia]] Free Trade Agreement.]] | [[File:New-Zealand-Malaysia-Free-Trade-Agreement.jpg|thumb|330px|New Zealand - [[Malaysia]] Free Trade Agreement.]] | ||
New Zealand's top six trading partners from June 2006-June 2007 included Australia, the United States, Japan, the People's Republic of China, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea. Australia continued as New Zealand's principal export market, worth $5.3 billion with exports to Australia rising by 6%. The United States and Japan were New Zealand's second- and third-largest export markets, receiving $3.3 billion and $2.6 billion worth of goods, respectively. New Zealand's fourth-largest export destination was China with exports worth $1.4 billion from June 2006 through June 2007. | New Zealand's top six trading partners from June 2006-June 2007 included Australia, the United States, Japan, the People's Republic of China, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea. Australia continued as New Zealand's principal export market, worth $5.3 billion with exports to Australia rising by 6%. The United States and Japan were New Zealand's second- and third-largest export markets, receiving $3.3 billion and $2.6 billion worth of goods, respectively. New Zealand's fourth-largest export destination was China with exports worth $1.4 billion from June 2006 through June 2007. | ||
| − | The U.S. is the second-largest trading partner for New Zealand, with U.S. goods and services accounting for approximately 13% of all imports. With the New Zealand dollar reaching a 24-year high of over U.S. $0.80 in July 2007 (the highest since the New Zealand dollar was floated), there are greater opportunities for U.S. exporters in | + | The U.S. is the second-largest trading partner for New Zealand, with U.S. goods and services accounting for approximately 13% of all imports. With the New Zealand dollar reaching a 24-year high of over U.S. $0.80 in July 2007 (the highest since the New Zealand dollar was floated), there are greater opportunities for U.S. exporters in 2007–2008. New Zealand's total imports from the U.S., as of June 2007, amounted to U.S. $3.3 billion. The market-led economy offers many benefits for U.S. exporters and investors. Investment opportunities exist in chemicals, food preparation, finance, tourism, and forest products, as well as in franchising. The best sales and investment prospects are for whole aircraft and aircraft parts, medical or veterinary instruments, motor vehicles, information technology, hotel and restaurant equipment, telecommunications, tourism, franchising, food processing and packaging, and medical equipment. On the agricultural side, the best prospects are for fresh fruit, snack foods, and soybean meal. |
New Zealand welcomes and encourages foreign investment without discrimination. The Overseas Investment Office (OIO) must give consent to foreign investments that would control 25% or more of businesses or property worth more than NZ$100 million. Restrictions and approval requirements also apply to certain investments in land and in the commercial fishing industry. OIO consent is based on a national interest determination. Foreign buyers of land can be required to report periodically on their compliance with the terms of the government's consent to their purchase. The OIO, part of Land Information New Zealand, took over the functions of the Overseas Investment Commission in August 2005. Full remittance of profits and capital is permitted through normal banking channels. As of March 2007, the U.S. accounted for 12% of all foreign direct investment in New Zealand, amounting to U.S. $7.76 billion. | New Zealand welcomes and encourages foreign investment without discrimination. The Overseas Investment Office (OIO) must give consent to foreign investments that would control 25% or more of businesses or property worth more than NZ$100 million. Restrictions and approval requirements also apply to certain investments in land and in the commercial fishing industry. OIO consent is based on a national interest determination. Foreign buyers of land can be required to report periodically on their compliance with the terms of the government's consent to their purchase. The OIO, part of Land Information New Zealand, took over the functions of the Overseas Investment Commission in August 2005. Full remittance of profits and capital is permitted through normal banking channels. As of March 2007, the U.S. accounted for 12% of all foreign direct investment in New Zealand, amounting to U.S. $7.76 billion. | ||
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*Exchange rate (average for Jan. to May 2008): U.S. $1 = NZ $1.2646 (U.S. $0.79 = NZ $1). | *Exchange rate (average for Jan. to May 2008): U.S. $1 = NZ $1.2646 (U.S. $0.79 = NZ $1). | ||
*Natural [[resources]]: Timber, natural gas, iron sand, coal. | *Natural [[resources]]: Timber, natural gas, iron sand, coal. | ||
| − | *Agriculture (4.9% of GDP): | + | *Agriculture (4.9% of GDP): Products—dairy products, meat, forestry products. |
| − | *Industry (goods-producing industries 21.5% of GDP, service industries 68.1% of GDP): | + | *Industry (goods-producing industries 21.5% of GDP, service industries 68.1% of GDP): Types—finance, insurance, and business services; manufacturing; personal and community services; transport and communication; wholesale trade; construction; government administration and defense; fishing, forestry, and mining; electricity, gas, and water. |
*Trade (September 2007): Exports to U.S.--$3.572 billion: frozen beef, casein, whey, timber, sheep meat, wine, unwrought aluminum, cheese, and butter. Imports from U.S.--$3.212 billion: consisting primarily of aircraft petroleum oils (crude), medical or veterinary instruments, motor vehicles, computers, aircraft parts, machinery, turbojets, insecticides, and telephone equipment. Major trading partners (rank ordered)--Australia, United States, Japan, People's Republic of China, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea. | *Trade (September 2007): Exports to U.S.--$3.572 billion: frozen beef, casein, whey, timber, sheep meat, wine, unwrought aluminum, cheese, and butter. Imports from U.S.--$3.212 billion: consisting primarily of aircraft petroleum oils (crude), medical or veterinary instruments, motor vehicles, computers, aircraft parts, machinery, turbojets, insecticides, and telephone equipment. Major trading partners (rank ordered)--Australia, United States, Japan, People's Republic of China, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea. | ||
==Sport== | ==Sport== | ||
| − | [[Rugby union]] is the major sport in New Zealand, and the national team | + | [[Rugby union]] is the major sport in New Zealand, and the national team ([[All Blacks]]) has won just over 75% of all international matches played. |
The New Zealand [[cricket]] team (known as "The Black Caps") are currently seventh in world standings in tests and 4th in one day internationals. | The New Zealand [[cricket]] team (known as "The Black Caps") are currently seventh in world standings in tests and 4th in one day internationals. | ||
New Zealand is also noted for its [[Hockey]] (The Black Sticks), [[Netball]] (The Silver Ferns) and mens Softball (Black Sox) teams. [[Scott Dixon]] became in 2008 the first New Zealand driver to win an Indy 500 race and has gone on to win 2 IRL Championships. | New Zealand is also noted for its [[Hockey]] (The Black Sticks), [[Netball]] (The Silver Ferns) and mens Softball (Black Sox) teams. [[Scott Dixon]] became in 2008 the first New Zealand driver to win an Indy 500 race and has gone on to win 2 IRL Championships. | ||
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==International Rankings (2007)== | ==International Rankings (2007)== | ||
====Political and economic rankings==== | ====Political and economic rankings==== | ||
| − | *Political freedom ratings[ | + | *Political freedom ratings [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_in_the_World_2006] - Free; political rights and civil liberties both rated 1 (the highest score available) |
*Press freedom<ref>Reporters Without Borders. [http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=19391 Index methodology]</ref> - 19th freest, at 5.00 | *Press freedom<ref>Reporters Without Borders. [http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=19391 Index methodology]</ref> - 19th freest, at 5.00 | ||
*GDP per capita - 27th highest, at I$24,769 | *GDP per capita - 27th highest, at I$24,769 | ||
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====Health rankings==== | ====Health rankings==== | ||
*Fertility rate- 140th most fertile, at 1.79 per woman | *Fertility rate- 140th most fertile, at 1.79 per woman | ||
| + | *Percent of population over 65 years old, 15.3% (See: [[New Zealand, its growing problem of hyper-aging areas and desecularization|New Zealand and its growing problem of hyper-aging areas]]).<ref>[https://www.prb.org/resources/countries-with-the-oldest-populations-in-the-world/ Countries With the Oldest Populations in the World], 2019 data from United Nations Population Division, World Population Prospects 2019, https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/, and Toshiko Kaneda, Charlotte Greenbaum, and Kaitlyn Patierno, 2019 World Population Data Sheet (Washington, DC: Population Reference Bureau, 2019).</ref> | ||
*Birth rate - 140th most births, at 13.90 per 1000 people | *Birth rate - 140th most births, at 13.90 per 1000 people | ||
*Infant mortality - 192nd most deaths, at 5.85 per 1000 live births | *Infant mortality - 192nd most deaths, at 5.85 per 1000 live births | ||
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====Other rankings==== | ====Other rankings==== | ||
| − | *CO2 emissions - | + | *CO2 emissions - 50th highest emissions, at 7.8 tonnes per capita |
*Electricity Consumption - 48th highest consumption of electricity, at 37,030,000,000 kWh | *Electricity Consumption - 48th highest consumption of electricity, at 37,030,000,000 kWh | ||
*Broadband Internet access - 22nd highest uptake in OECD, at 11.7% | *Broadband Internet access - 22nd highest uptake in OECD, at 11.7% | ||
*Beer consumption - 16th highest, at 77.0 litres per capita | *Beer consumption - 16th highest, at 77.0 litres per capita | ||
| − | *Environmental Performance Index - Comprising; Environmental health, air quality, water resources, biodiversity and habitat, productive natural resources, sustainable energy - | + | *Environmental Performance Index - Comprising; Environmental health, air quality, water resources, biodiversity and habitat, productive natural resources, sustainable energy - 7th out of 80 countries, at 88.0/100[14] |
==Famous New Zealanders== | ==Famous New Zealanders== | ||
[[File:Sir Edmund Hillary.jpg|thumb|Sir Edmund Hillary.]] | [[File:Sir Edmund Hillary.jpg|thumb|Sir Edmund Hillary.]] | ||
| − | *[[Sir Edmund Hillary]] - | + | *[[Sir Edmund Hillary]] - According to [[Hillary Clinton]], her namesake who conquered [[Mount Everest]] with Tensing Norgay two years after she was born |
*[[Ernest Rutherford|Lord Ernest Rutherford]] - Discovered that [[Atoms]] have a [[nucleus]] and was the first [[physicist]] to split the [[atom]] | *[[Ernest Rutherford|Lord Ernest Rutherford]] - Discovered that [[Atoms]] have a [[nucleus]] and was the first [[physicist]] to split the [[atom]] | ||
| − | *[[Peter Jackson]] | + | *[[Peter Jackson]] - [[Director]] of the [[The Lord of the Rings film trilogy|''The Lord of the Rings'' film trilogy]] |
| − | * | + | *Harold Gillies - Widely regarded as the father of plastic surgery |
| − | * | + | *Sam Neill - [[Actor]] |
| − | * | + | *Lucy Lawless - [[Actress]] |
| − | * | + | *Bill "Willie" Apiata - NZ SAS Corporal and recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]] |
| − | * | + | *Burt Monro - Motorcycle racer and subject of the film The World's Fastest Indian |
| − | * | + | *Bruce McLaren - Car Designer and Inventor, founder of the McLaren-Mercedes Formula 1 Racing Team |
| − | * | + | *Anna Paquin - Youngest person to ever win an [[Academy Award]] |
| − | * | + | *Richard Pearse - Thought to have flown before the [[Wright Brothers]] however this is disputed |
| − | *[[ | + | *Scott Dixon - Winner of the Indy 500 in 2008 |
| + | *Dame Ngaio Marsh - Internationally acclaimed crime novelist | ||
| + | *Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - Classical soprano | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||