| What is special or unique about your city? |
With a rapidly growing population of 169,000, Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city. One of New Zealand’s greenest cities, Hamilton lies nestled in the heart of a rich farming region. It also has a good climate, beautiful scenery, gorgeous rivers and lakes, a clean green environment and top educational facilities. Furthermore, Hamilton's business community is very prosperous.
Hamilton is a 90-minute drive to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Or you can drive west 30 minutes to a lovely neighbouring seaside town renowned for its exceptional fishing and international surfing beaches. In addition, another drive of a little over one hour will take you to the beautiful white sandy beaches of the east coast, offering a variety of water sport options such as swimming, sailing, fishing, water skiing and jet skiing. |
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| What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city? |
Hamilton International Airport is only 15 minutes from downtown Hamilton. Upon arrival, you will be impressed with the beautiful greenness and lushness of the countryside. Hamilton’s prosperity comes from being in the centre of the Waikato District that is renowned for its rich farming/dairy land. Hamilton has all the benefits of a large city, with the convenience and lifestyle of a small city. Commuting anywhere within the city boundary takes about 20 minutes.
Hamilton Gardens covers an area of 54 hectares and is the region’s most popular visitor attraction - with over 600,000 visitors annually. Hamilton is also world famous for the NZ Agricultural Field days, an event held at Mystery Creek every year in June which draws around 100,000 visitors over a four day period.
In addition, Hamilton has an excellent zoo, two swimming complexes, seven golf courses, six libraries, the Waikato Museum of Art and History, a newly completed multi-event sports stadium and a casino. Hamilton also has some of the best shooting ranges in New Zealand, with its pistol club facilities being of an international standard. Finally, Hamilton Lake is just two minutes by car from downtown Hamilton. Here, you'll find swans, a kiosk, a children’s playground, walking/jogging tracks around the lake and plenty of lovely picnic areas. |
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| Are these impressions likely to change? |
| No - the impression will remain the same, down to the local aesthetics: strict building codes ensure that Hamilton's green belt and natural beauty will not change. |
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| What is the local language? |
English is the official language of New Zealand, however you will also hear Maori spoken, along with other languages from the South Pacific islands and Asia.
Here are a few Maori words that may be fun to learn as well as help you while you are here:
English = Maori
hello = kia ora
good bye = haere ra
please = koa
thank you = kia ora rawa atu
good = ka pai
bad = ka kino
help = äwhinatia
yes = äe
no = käo
food = kai
water = wai |
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| How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language? |
| It would be difficult to live in New Zealand without speaking English, as most New Zealanders only speak English or Maori. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of English language schools throughout New Zealand. |
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| What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city? |
The main thing to remember is to respect the many diverse cultures in New Zealand. To avoid offending, please take note of the following:
- Casual dress is acceptable and usually preferred in most situations.
- Do not use the "V for victory" sign as it is considered offensive.
- Always try to be on time for appointments. Punctuality is considered good manners.
- Afternoon tea is between 3:00pm to 4:00pm at which sweet items such as cakes and biscuits are served. The evening meal (dinner) is between 6:00pm to 8:00pm and a larger meal is served. Supper is an optional snack served much later in the evening. If you are invited over to friends for a meal and have been requested to "bring a plate", this means that you are expected to bring a small plate of food appropriate for the meal you have been invited to.
- Tipping rarely occurs here but it is acceptable if you wish to acknowledge good service.
- Cover your mouth if you must yawn, do not use toothpicks or spit in public.
- Ask permission before you attempt to photograph someone.
- When meeting someone or departing use a firm handshake with good eye contact.
- Avoid confusing or comparing New Zealand to Australia, as they are two distinct countries.
- Remember that New Zealand has strict smoking rules, and smoking is not allowed in any public building or public transport.
- As of December 2004 - There is no smoking in any bars, cafes or restaurants, but smoking areas are now provided outside.
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| How might the local weather affect my daily life? |
Hamilton has a temperate climate. Keep in mind that New Zealand seasons are reverse to those in the Northern Hemisphere. The warmest months are December, January and February while the coldest are June, July and August. Hamilton’s annual rainfall is 1189mm per annum.
In addition, because the Waikato River flows through the centre of the city, some areas are subject to occasional fog. These usually clear by 9:00 am or 10:00 am and are followed by a sunny day. |
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| Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people? |
| Hamilton City is an independent local body with a City Council made up of one Mayor and a body of elected councillors. The city is very ‘pro recycling’ and everyone has green recycling bins to put out with the local rubbish collection. Additionally, New Zealand has a high regard for its natural beauty and is extremely protective of the flora and fauna. |
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| Useful Links |
Crown Relocations
www.crownrelo.com
Hamilton City Council
www.hcc.govt.nz
Living in New Zealand
www.nukiwi.com
New Zealand Tourism
www.purenz.com
Information on Hamilton
www.hamiltoncity.co.nz
Climate in Hamilton
www.climate.co.nz
Hamilton Visitor Information Center
www.waikatonz.co.nz
Finding a street in Hamilton
www.nzmaps.co.nz |