Auckland
Our largest city, Auckland is New Zealand’s commercial hub.
It’s also the largest Polynesian city in the world and the most multi-cultural, with over 180 different ethnic groups. All of which adds up to one big, bustling, cosmopolitan and vibrant place.
Tiffany: Transportation Planner from USA (02.24)
So, originally, I'm from Yonkers, New York.
And I ended up here, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, New Zealand.
I wanted to leave my country initially, to really find a different sense of being, I've been in America pretty much all of my life.
And once I started to travel, I realised that there is so much more out there. So to be able to come to a country that has a better quality of life, a higher standard of living of safety, was something that was alluring to me.
I work in the transportation sector as a transportation planner.
So I work for a private consulting firm. What I like about living in the city centre is that I don't have a vehicle.
So it's really easy for me to get around whether I'm on foot, taking the bus. Everything that I need, is so close by.
I can get a cup of coffee, like, literally across the street. And it's just really nice to have everything at your fingertips.
The move to Auckland was actually great. I found housing online on Facebook. And I just went for it.
As a United States citizen, that allowed me to come to New Zealand for 90 days, to really get to know the country, and, you know, find employment.
I think what's different about living here is the sense of community. So I really enjoy that sense of being in a place where people are friendly. Because I myself am friendly.
Auckland is very diverse. It's really a beautiful thing to be seen as a person. And that's something that is a different experience for me.
So I really have enjoyed being just myself here in Auckland. Mt Eden is my mountain. Karangahape is where I choose to live, where I call home. The Waiteamata nurtures my spirit.
Welcome, join me in Auckland.
End
Statistics
Population 2016
1,415,550
% born outside NZ:
39%
Average house price July 2019:
Auckland City: $860,000
North Shore City $985,000
Auckland region: $830,000
Median Wage:
$52,879
Auckland is considered one of the world’s most liveable cities, ranking third in the 2019 Quality of Living survey conducted annually by the global HR consultants Mercer. It’s held that slot since 2012.
The region is a food-lovers’ paradise, bustling with trendy cafes, ethnic eateries and award-winning restaurants. Being located between two harbours, fresh seafood is an Auckland speciality, and the region also features a range of vineyards and olive groves.
Aucklanders can choose between a sophisticated urban lifestyle, living in the suburbs or moving a short distance to the countryside to live on a lifestyle block surrounded by farmland and native bush.
Over 1.7 million people live in Auckland - over a third of New Zealand’s population. It’s the region of choice for over half of new migrants. They’re drawn here by Auckland’s job opportunities, good climate, stunning natural environment with beautiful harbours, beaches, and parks and its vibrant, cosmopolitan centre.
Auckland City features two fine harbours. The larger, to the east, is a boaties’ paradise sheltered by islands, hence Auckland’s title ‘City of Sails’. It has the most recreational boats per capita on the planet.
The city covers 5,000 square kilometres (1,900 square miles) and from just about anywhere within that area you can see the Sky Tower, the southern hemisphere’s tallest free-standing structure. Auckland is also known for the 15-plus extinct volcanic cones it is built around.
Auckland is the nation’s economic powerhouse, accounting for 38% of New Zealand’s economic output (GDP) and 36% of New Zealand’s paid employment.
The industries that employ the most people In the Auckland region are business services (such as legal and accounting, marketing and management services), food and beverage manufacturing, health, hospitality, telecommunication services, building construction, machinery, and motor vehicle wholesaling.
Auckland's labour market has a high skills base, with more than 36% of employment in knowledge-intensive industries and 47.4% employed in high-skilled and medium-to-high skilled jobs. Auckland also accounts for half of New Zealand's technology workforce.
Auckland is warm, humid and changeable without extremes of temperature.
Summer temperatures: 14-24°C. Winter temperatures 7-15°C.
Average annual sunshine, 2,060 hours.
Many migrants have already made Auckland home. The table below shows where these migrants are moving from and demonstrates the diverse population you can expect to find in Auckland.
It can be comforting to know there are others, similar to you, who have experienced the move.
|
Country of origin |
No. of migrant |
|---|---|
|
Asia |
195,750 |
|
Pacific Islands |
101,487 |
| UK and Ireland | 88,245 |
| Middle East and Africa | 49,089 |
| Europe (excl. UK and Ireland) | 26,634 |
Now that you know about what Auckland has to offer, have a read about everyday life in the region, and services and support you can access.
Events
Upcoming events in your region
Events for new migrants are regularly held throughout the country. Gain local insight into finding a job and getting setup and settled in New Zealand.
View events calendar