Northland

Welcome to Northland foreword by Paul Goddard

When I first visited Northland it was actually winter in New Zealand. We made the stunning drive north of Auckland in less than two hours and arrived in Whangarei. The first thing that struck me as I stepped out of the car was that it was noticeably warmer! I could smell the sea and the sense of peace and tranquillity was instant. We took a stroll through town and grabbed a fantastic cup of coffee seated outdoors (in the sunshine) in one of the many cafe's. Famous for the Bay of Islands and some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand, Northland really does epitomise the image that people from overseas have of New Zealand. Nice weather, laid back lifestyle you can take it easy and live it up in Northland. It was a brief visit that has left a lasting impression on me and I can't wait to get back up there!

Environment

Breathless! That's how the Northland environment will quite often leave you. A warm green subtropical climate (no snow here!), clean fresh air, extraordinary coastlines and dunes, rolling green pastureland and flat lowlands, wild primordial forests, impressive limestone features and old volcanoes. Northland is home to ancient kauri tree forests which provide habitats for Northland wildlife including the brown kiwi - New Zealand's iconic flightless bird. Rare wildlife includes bats and birdlife like the haunting kokako. Northland has 1700 km of coastline. To the west lies the Tasman sea and to the east the south pacific ocean. The west coast is a wild environment with great surf and sweeping sand dunes. The east coast provides a usually calmer environment with white sandy beaches and sublime coves although there are also some top surf spots. Estuaries and tidal mangrove flats on both coasts teem with wildlife including resident and migratory birds. Most of the coastline and harbours are safe for fishing as well as for gathering shellfish- fresh New Zealand kaimoana (seafood) is one of life's great delights. The coastline is rich in aquatic life of a slightly larger size, with pods of dolphins, orca and other whales commonly sighted. In summer the coasts blaze with the deep red of the flowering pohutukawa, native to the north and sometimes referred to as NZ's Christmas tree.

The Marine reserve, poor knights islands and surrounding waters are renowned for their remarkable caves and natural arches. Many Islands lie off the coast and indeed the bay of islands is named for it's sprinkling of 150 islands. Northlanders are committed to protecting this wonderful environment with many individuals and agencies recognising and working to balance the sustainable growth of industry with the needs of the environment.

Northland

Northland - New Zealand's warmest, subtropical region - stretches from Mangawhai in the south to the country's northernmost tip, Cape Reigina. The region has twin coasts with no part of Northland being further than 40 km away from pristine beaches, bays and harbours. Vast tracts of forest remain, home to 2000 -year-old kauri trees.

Known as the "birthplace of a nation", Northland was home to some of New Zealand's first inhabitants and was also the location of the country's original capital. The region saw some of the most significant early interactions between Maori and Pakeha. Today, Northland has a population base of more than 148,500 spread through urban and rural communities on a land area of 13,800 sq km. About 52,000 employees work for over 17,000 businesses and Northland's gross regional product of 3.4 billion annually represents about 3% of the national total. Northland is attracting new investment and industry development. This growth complements a solid industry base of pastoral farming, horticulture, organics and the arts.

Working in Northland can offer a less stressed working environment with the time to enjoy the incredible region that you will live in and we are just two hours from Auckland, the gateway to the world from New Zealand. Jobs in the region can be found in industries such as agriculture, IT, retail, horticulture, forestry, engineering, construction, fishing, hospitality, health, education etc.

Time Out Northland Style

The Northland climate and environment enable Northlanders to embrace an outdoor culture most of the year. Entertaining often means a casual evening with friends and family at home or at the beach around the barbeque. Northland has some great options for eating out with a broad selection of casual cafes and award wining fine restaurants. Nightlife can be subdued however Whangarei city does have a number of clubs if you are after a late night, and other centres have venues that often feature local live music. The region has many art galleries that support local and international artists and there is a rich cultural heritage to discover. For those of you who like to shop, retail therapy is available seven days a week in the larger centres as is a great cappuccino and movie theatres will keep you up to date with the silver screen's latest offerings. A fascinating plethora of activities can be experienced in the region from cubs, scouts, archery, drama groups and agriculture clubs. Northlanders are people with diverse interests and if something isn't immediately available they will often go about making it happen. Gardening can be enjoyed all year round in the subtropical climate and Northlanders continue to embrace the famous Kiwi DIY attitude.

The region claims New Zealand's oldest growers market in Whangarei, a popular destination for many locals to pick up their fresh fruit and vegetable supplies for the week. For the more adventurous, there are many activities to keep your adrenalin pumping. Water sports, Abseiling, skydiving, caving, mountain biking and horse riding. There are also the annual events that happen around the region, art festivals, music festivals, food and wine events, film festivals, fishing competitions, garden festivals, sailing regattas.....there are many and they are varied. Northland history and widespread population has given rise to a sense of extended community and solidarity. This sense of community continues today.

Education and Schools

New Zealand has a government funded education system with attendance at school compulsory from the age of six through to 16. A full curriculum of academic, sporting and skill based learning options are provided from early childhood through to secondary. Early childhood options include kindergartens, child care centres or parent/community run play centres. You may choose from Government funded state intermediate and secondary schools or a selection of private schools that have their own special characteristics, but all have to follow the New Zealand education curriculum. In addition there are schools that cater to children who have special needs, from gifted children to adults with learning disabilities. All New Zealand schools are audited regularly to ensure high standards are maintained.

Northtec is the region's largest provider of tertiary education, with campuses in Whangarei, Kerikeri, Rawene, Kaitaia, Kaikohe and Dargaville, providing courses including business studies, health and science, tourism, trade training and more. Northtec remains the only Northland-based Tertiary Education Institute that provides programmes from foundation to degree level. The University of Auckland has a campus in Whangarei with students completing their bachelor of education (teaching) degrees. Quantum learning in Kerikeri includes quantum aviation, a licenced air transport operator, and the culinary institute of New Zealand, a training centre of excellence producing chefs to the highest possible standards. There is also the Quantum institute of Travel and Tourism, Kensington campus, incorporating Avonmore tertiary academy, people potential and Northland hairdressing centre all dedicated to providing educational opportunities towards industry employment. Courses offered include, among others, computer studies, business admin, hairdressing, hospitality and the performing arts.

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