For basic information and a statistical overview of United Nations member countries and links to local newspapers, visit:http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/index.asp

To review the on-line version of the World Factbook with information about this country as compiled by the CIA, please visit: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html


The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in New Zealand. Although camp staff from New Zealand may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Camp America wishes to share this general information with our Camp Directors.

Health

1. Most common inoculations
   Tetanus, Rubella, Tuberculin
2. Innoculation for TB (Tuberculosis)
   Yes
3. Free health service
   Yes
4. Cost and regularity of visits to the dentist
   Yes. Not cheap but not too bad.

Education

1. Percentage of 17 year olds enrolled in secondary schools: 65 (compared with 79 in the US).
2. Number of bachelor’s degree recipients per 100 people of typical graduation age in 2003: 39.0 (compared with 33.4 in the US).
3. Alternatives chosen if not attending university
   Polytechnic, work experience, or straight to a junior role position.
4. Start and finish of the academic year
   February - November

English Language Skills

1. Is English a compulsory subject in the schools in your country?
   English is our native language

Childcare

1. Common attitudes to and types of discipline for children
   Time-out is common, only lower socio-economic areas might use physical punishment.
2. Physical discipline of children
   No - perhaps 20 years ago it was common but not now.

Religion

1. Most common religions
   Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian.
2. Practice of religion by young people
   No
3. Would a young person choose to practice a religion that is different than her family's religion?
   Not often.
4. Common religious practices e.g. special practices or dietary restrictions
   No.

Telephone

1. Telephones in the home
   Yes 2-3
2. Would most parents/family speak English well enough to take a message from an American Camp Director?
   Yes.
3. Computer or e-mail access.
   Yes.

Diet

1. Attitudes to eating meat
   Most young people eat meat.
2. Vegetarianism
   Yes.
3. Other common dietary traditions
   No.

Miscellaneous

1. Freedom of their family to socialize and date
   Yes.
2. Curfews at home
   Yes.
3. Sharing household chores
   Yes.
4. Diversity of population
   No.
5. Three main characteristics of the people
   Reserved, friendly, hard working.
6. Attitudes to nudity both in and out of the home e.g. sunbathing in the nude?
   Not normal to sunbathe topless, kids nudity at home is normal.

Additional useful information
Others may consider New Zealanders' style of communication confrontational. This stylistic cultural difference should be taken into consideration when they are encouraged to speak their mind.

Sports - Rugby is very popular with males and females (as spectators).

Au Pair in America®, 2007