About New Zealand

Aotearoa (meaning ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’) or New Zealand was first inhabited by Maori in around A.D. 800. Though a Dutchman was the first European to sight the country, it was the British who colonised New Zealand. The British claimed New Zealand for Great Britain and NZ became a member of the Commonwealth of the British Empire in 1907.

Government

New Zealand is a democracy with its own federal system of government.  The Queen of England is the Head of State but is permanently represented by the Governor General.  The Federal Government is elected every four years and is led by the Prime Minister.

Auckland

Climate

Auckland’s climate is generally pleasant without extremes in temperature. Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. Auckland is located in the North of New Zealand  so temperatures are generally warmer than the South Island.

The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.

Average temperatures for Auckland

Time Zone
New Zealand is +12 hours UTC/GMT and during the summer months daylight savings is observed making it +13 hours UTC/GMT.  Find the time difference between New Zealand and your home country.

Read more about Auckland and it's attractions >

Find out more

• New Zealand Tourism
  More information about New Zealand including an interactive map, ideas for things to do and places to visit.
• Auckland City Council
  Information about Auckland city where Taylors College is located.
• New Zealand Government
  Learn about the people, the country and the system of government