New Zealand
parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realmIndependence 26 September 1907 (from the UK)
New Zealand as the 2014 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 161 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.
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Introduction
1 fieldBackground
The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. That same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both world wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances.
Geography
Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia
19 fieldsLand useshare of 267,710 sq km
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)
- total:
- 4.75 cu km/yr (23%/5%/72%)
- per capita:
- 1,200 cu m/yr (2010)
Natural hazards
earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity
- volcanism:
- significant volcanism on North Island;
- Ruapehu (elev. 2,797 m), which last erupted in 2007, has a history of large eruptions in the past century;
- Taranaki has the potential to produce dangerous avalanches and lahars;
- other historically active volcanoes include
Environment - current issues
- deforestation;
- soil erosion;
- native flora and fauna hard-hit by invasive species
Environment - international agreements
- party to:
- Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
- signed, but not ratified:
- Antarctic Seals, Marine Life Conservation
Geography - note
almost 90% of the population lives in cities; Wellington is the southernmost national capital in the world
People and Society
32 fieldsAge structuremale left, female right · (2014 est.)
Per 1,000 population(2014 est.)
Male · female
Religions(2013 est.)
Ethnic groups
European 71.2%, Maori 14.1%, Asian 11.3%, Pacific peoples 7.6%, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African 1.1%, other 1.6%, not stated or unidentified 5.4% note: based on the 2013 census of the usually resident population; percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic group (2013 est.)
Languages
English (de facto official) 89.8%, Maori (de jure official) 3.5%, Samoan 2%, Hindi 1.6%, French 1.2%, Northern Chinese 1.2%, Yue 1%, Other or not stated 20.5%, New Zealand Sign Language (de jure official) note: shares sum to 120.8% due to multiple responses on census (2013 est.)
Sex ratio
- at birth:
- 1.05 male(s)/female
- 0-14 years:
- 1.05 male(s)/female
- 15-24 years:
- 1.05 male(s)/female
- 25-54 years:
- 1 male(s)/female
- 55-64 years:
- 0.99 male(s)/female
- 65 years and over:
- 0.85 male(s)/female
- total population:
- 0.99 male(s)/female (2014 est.)
Government
Parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm; Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Prime Minister John KEY (since 19 November 2008)
22 fieldsLegislature, 61 seats, elected 26 November 2011one dot, one seat
Capital
- name:
- Wellington
- geographic coordinates:
- 41 18 S, 174 47 E
- time difference:
- UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
- daylight saving time:
- +1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April
note: New Zealand has two time zones - New Zealand standard time (12 hours in advance of UTC), and Chatham Islands time (45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time)
Administrative divisions
16 regions and 1 territory*; Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Chatham Islands*, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman, Waikato, Wellington, West Coast
National holiday
- Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840);
- ANZAC Day (commemorated as the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)
Constitution
Constitution Act 1986 (the principal formal charter) adopted and effective 1 January 1987; amended 1999, 2005 (2013)
Legal system
common law system, based on English model, with special legislation and land courts for the Maori
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Executive branch
- chief of state:
- Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Lt. Gen. Sir Jerry MATEPARAE (since 31 August 2011)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister John KEY (since 19 November 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Simon William ENGLISH (since 19 November 2008)
- cabinet:
- Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister; (For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
- elections:
- the monarchy is hereditary;
- governor general appointed by the monarch;
- following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general;
- deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general
Legislative branch
unicameral House of Representatives - commonly called Parliament (usually 120 seats; 70 members elected by popular vote in single-member constituencies including 7 Maori constituencies, 50 proportional seats chosen from party lists; serve three-year terms)
- elections:
- last held on 26 November 2011 (next to be held not later than November 2014)
- election results:
- percent of vote by party - National Party 48%, Labor Party 27.1%, Green Party 10.6%, NZ First 6.8%, Maori 1.4%, ACT Party 1.1%, Mana 1%, United Future 0.6%, other 3.43%;
- seats by party - National Party 60, Labor Party 34, Green Party 13, NZ First 8, Maori 3, ACT Party 1, Mana 1, United Future 1
note: results of 2011 election saw the total number of seats decline to 121
Judicial branch
- highest court(s):
- Supreme Court (consists of 5 justices including the chief justice ); note - the Supreme Court in 2004 replaced the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, in London, as the final appeals court
- judge selection and term of office:
- justices appointed by the governor-general on the recommendation of the attorney-general; justices appointed for life
- subordinate courts:
- Court of Appeal;
- High Court;
- tribunals and authorities;
- district courts;
- specialized courts for issues related to employment, environment, Maori lands, and military
Political parties and leaders
- ACT New Zealand [Rodney HIDE]
- Green Party [Russel NORMAN and Metiria TUREI]
- Mana Party [Hone HARAWIRA]
- Maori Party [Tariana TURIA and Dr. Pita SHARPLES]
- New Zealand National Party [John KEY]
- New Zealand First Party or NZ First [Winston PETERS]
- New Zealand Labor Party [Phil GOFF]
- Jim Anderton's Progressive Party [James (Jim) ANDERTON]
- United Future New Zealand [Peter DUNNE]
Political pressure groups and leaders
Women's Electoral Lobby or WEL
- other:
- apartheid groups;
- civil rights groups;
- farmers groups;
- Maori;
- nuclear weapons groups;
- women's rights groups
International organization participation
ADB, ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNMIT, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US
- chief of mission:
- Ambassador Michael Kenneth MOORE (since 5 August 2010)
- chancery:
- 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008
- telephone:
- [1] (202) 328-4800
- FAX:
- [1] (202) 667-5227
- consulate(s) general:
- New York, Pago Pago (American Samoa), Santa Monica (CA)
Diplomatic representation from the US
- chief of mission:
- Ambassador (vacant); Charge d' Affaires Marie C. DAMOUR note - also accredited to Samoa
- embassy:
- 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington
- mailing address:
- P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, APO AP 96531-1034
- telephone:
- [64] (4) 462-6000
- FAX:
- [64] (4) 499-0490
- consulate(s) general:
- Auckland
Flag description
- blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer half of the flag;
- the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation
Economy
Over the past 20 years the government has transformed New Zealand from an agrarian economy dependent on concessionary British market access to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally.
41 fieldsGDP - composition, by sector of origin(2013 est.)
Trading partnersexports left, imports right
By end use% of GDP
Economy - overview
Over the past 20 years the government has transformed New Zealand from an agrarian economy dependent on concessionary British market access to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes - but left behind some at the bottom of the ladder - and broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector.
Per capita income rose for ten consecutive years until 2007 in purchasing power parity terms, but fell in 2008-09. Debt-driven consumer spending drove robust growth in the first half of the decade, helping fuel a large balance of payments deficit that posed a challenge for economic managers.
Inflationary pressures caused the central bank to raise its key rate steadily from January 2004 until it was among the highest in the OECD in 2007-08; international capital inflows attracted to the high rates further strengthened the currency and housing market, however, aggravating the current account deficit.
The economy fell into recession before the start of the global financial crisis and contracted for five consecutive quarters in 2008-09. In line with global peers, the central bank cut interest rates aggressively and the government developed fiscal stimulus measures. The economy pulled out of recession late in 2009, and achieved 2-3% per year growth in 2010-13.
Nevertheless, key trade sectors remain vulnerable to weak external demand. The government plans to raise productivity growth and develop infrastructure, while reining in government spending.
Gross national saving
15.9% of GDP (2013 est.) · 14.5% of GDP (2012 est.) · 14.5% of GDP (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 104
Agriculture - products
- dairy products, lamb and mutton;
- wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables;
- wool, beef;
- fish
Industries
food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking, insurance, tourism, mining
Central bank discount rate
2.5% (31 December 2009) · 5% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 70
Commercial bank prime lending rate
5.7% (31 December 2013 est.) · 5.82% (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 135
Stock of narrow money
$30.03 billion (31 December 2013 est.) · $29.87 billion (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 60
Stock of broad money
$91.28 billion (31 December 2013 est.) · $84.55 billion (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 56
Stock of domestic credit
$256.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.) · $265.6 billion (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 37
Current account balance
-$8.358 billion (2013 est.) · -$8.508 billion (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 173
Imports - commodities
machinery and equipment, vehicles, aircraft, petroleum, electronics, textiles, plastics
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$20.01 billion (31 December 2013 est.) · $17.58 billion (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 60
Debt - external
$81.36 billion (31 December 2013 est.) · $85.18 billion (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 52
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home
$84.2 billion (31 December 2013 est.) · $81.36 billion (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 46
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad
$59.08 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 37
Exchange rates
New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.247 (2013 est.) · 1.2334 (2012 est.) · 1.3874 (2010 est.) · 1.6002 (2009) · 1.4151 (2008)
Energy
23 fieldsInstalled generating capacity, 9.679 million kW(2010 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves
81.4 million bbl (1 January 2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 74
Natural gas - proved reserves
29.42 billion cu m (1 January 2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 69
Communications
7 fieldsTelephone system
- general assessment:
- excellent domestic and international systems
- domestic:
- combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 150 per 100 persons
- international:
- country code - 64;
- the Southern Cross submarine cable system provides links to Australia, Fiji, and the US;
- satellite earth stations - 8 (1 Inmarsat - Pacific Ocean, 7 other) (2011)
Broadcast media
- state-owned Television New Zealand operates multiple TV networks and state-owned Radio New Zealand operates 3 radio networks and an external shortwave radio service to the South Pacific region;
- a small number of national commercial TV and radio stations and many regional commercial television and radio stations are available;
- cable and satellite TV systems are available (2008)
Transportation
8 fieldsMerchant marine, 15 ships by typeone square, one ship
Airports by runway lengthpaved only
Airports by runway lengthunpaved only
Networkskm
Pipelines
- condensate 331 km;
- gas 1,936 km;
- liquid petroleum gas 172 km;
- oil 288 km;
- refined products 198 km (2013)
Railways
- total:
- 4,128 km
country comparison to the world: 42
- narrow gauge:
- 4,128 km 1.067-m gauge (506 km electrified) (2008)
Roadways
- total:
- 94,160 km
country comparison to the world: 50
- paved:
- 62,759 km (includes 199 km of expressways)
- unpaved:
- 32,143 km (2012)
Ports and terminals
major seaport(s): Auckland, Lyttelton, Manukau Harbor, Marsden Point, Tauranga, Wellington
Military
New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF): New Zealand Army; Royal New Zealand Navy; Royal New Zealand Air Force (Te Hokowhitu o Kahurangi, RNZAF) (2013)
6 fieldsMilitary branches
- New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF):
- New Zealand Army;
- Royal New Zealand Navy;
- Royal New Zealand Air Force (Te Hokowhitu o Kahurangi, RNZAF) (2013)
Military service age and obligation
- 17 years of age for voluntary military service;
- soldiers cannot be deployed until the age of 18;
- no conscription;
- 3 years of secondary education required;
- must be a citizen of NZ, the UK, Australia, Canada, or the US, and resident of NZ for the previous 5 years (2013)
Manpower available for military service
- males age 16-49:
- 1,019,798
- females age 16-49:
- 1,003,429 (2010 est.)
Transnational Issues
2 fieldsCite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “New Zealand.” The World Factbook 2014. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/new-zealand/2014.