Why can't the rest of the world be more like New Zealand?
The Most Peaceful Country In The WorldNew Zealand is the world's most peaceful country in the 2010 Global Peace Index. The index - which examines several dozen indicators from the crime rate to defence spending, conflicts with neighbouring states and respect for human rights - showed an overall reduction in the level of peacefulness, largely due to the global financial crisis which had made the world less peaceful by fuelling crime and civil unrest.
A Great Lifestyle Superpower of the World
New Zealand is also one of the great “lifestyle superpowers of the world" says BBC's Sydney correspondent who wishes the rest of the world could be more like Aotearoa (New Zealand). In a radio dispatch for BBC Radio 4's From Our Own Correspondent, Nick Bryant labelled New Zealand funky, fastidious and forward, and praised its cultural idiosyncrasies. He points out too, that New Zealand could be edgy and forward, citing the fact that it was the first country in the world to give women the vote. "Best of all, perhaps, is how non-indigenous New Zealanders (migrants) live in such harmony with their indigenous compatriots (native Maori). Next year New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup," he concludes, "but for now I will leave this country with my usual parting thought: 'Why can't the rest of the world be more like New Zealand?"’
Such thoughts are echoed by the founder of The Emigration Group, Geoff Taylor – himself a Brit. Geoff loved the Kiwi lifestyle so much that he moved to New Zealand himself! After six years “living in paradise”, he has no plans to return to these shores. He says, “There is no way I would ever return to Britain. This is a safe place to live. My son, aged 9 has far more freedom and opportunities here. The quality of life in New Zealand easily surpasses what the UK can offer. In the north, where I live, we have great weather most of the year and even the winter months are not that cold. Added to that, property is still much less expensive than Britain. Whenever I return to the UK, I am shocked at just how small the houses now seem.”