More and more people are emigrating to New Zealand each year.  They either apply for work permits or eventually move their families to the country. Here are the top ten reasons why people immigrate to New Zealand:

• Even the first settlers in New Zealand are considered migrants. The Maori, who came to the country some 700 years ago, are its first inhabitants. Next to settle in are migrants from the United Kingdom during the 19^th century. The country welcomes new residents from all parts of the globe, including South Africa and India.
• As New Zealand has a high standard of living, with GDP estimated at $26,000 per capita a year, it has become attractive for other nationalities to immigrate there.
• Emmigrating to New Zealand is welcomed by the country’s government as they are in dire need of skilled workers who will fill the demand by its continuously growing economy.
• With a small population of a little over 4 million people and another million who live abroad, New Zealand needs more inhabitants.
• It won’t be hard for immigrants to communicate as English is the main language spoken in the country.
• The quality of life is in New Zealand is quite high as it is ranked 20^th in the 2006 Human Development Index and number 15 in The Economist’s 2005 Worldwide Quality of Life index. People emigrating to New Zealand will enjoy a violence-free nation as it was named the second most peaceful country in the world, according to The Economist’s Global Peace index.
• The landscape is beautiful, with various natural attractions such as spectacular lakes, forests, and mountain ranges. The Bay of Islands Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park are among its more popular tourist destinations.
• People in New Zealand lead an active lifestyle, with numerous sports and outdoor activities to choose from. New immigrants can enjoy the national sport of rugby or other activities like cricket, netball, soccer, rowing, and sailing.
• There is equal opportunity for all migrants in New Zealand as they do not have a class system and its citizens believe more in the individual’s contribution to society than any other factor.
• New Zealand is a country that cares greatly about global issues and passionately believes in making the world a better place. They have an anti-nuclear stance and have produced laws that will protect the environment.