Languages:

New Zealand has two official languages including English and Maori.

Cost of Living:

On average, New Zealanders tend to enjoy a high standard of living. In general, the prices are going to be equal or slightly cheaper than the U.S.  For more information visit:
http://www.justlanded.com/english/new_zealand/tools
/just_landed_guide/money/cost_of_living or
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/nzopportunities/lifestyle/costofliving/

Visa and Work Permits:

To work in New Zealand, you have to apply for a work permit and a visa.  There are several types of working permits available in New Zealand; however, if you are pursuing temporary work, applying for a working holiday visa is probably your best bet. As in Australia, working holiday visas are available to single people and childless couples between the ages of 18 and 30 who would like to work for up to one year.  To find more information about working holidays and work permits for more permanent employment visit:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/worktoresidence/

 Job Searching in New Zealand:  

Currently, unemployment is high in New Zealand. For this reason, it is very hard to obtain a job in this country unless you are exceptionally skilled in a certain area.  As stated above, the best way to obtain a job in New Zealand for an American citizen would be to apply  for a Working Holiday Scheme visa. For more information about a Working Holiday Scheme Visa visit
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workingholiday
/unitedstatesofamericaworkingholidayscheme.htm.

            Some other temporary job opportunities in New Zealand may be in the areas of biotechnology, information and communication technology, and also creative industries. For more general information about the working opportunities in New Zealand visit
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/
worktoresidence/whatopportunities/workopportunities/ and http://www.justlanded.com/english/new_zealand/tools/
just_landed_guide/jobs/introduction.

Cultural Differences:  

The culture in New Zealand has many influences from Britain and many Pacific Islands.  This is apparent in their official languages of English and Maori, a Polynesian language.  In many places, you will see signs in both languages.  In general, New Zealanders are reserved, polite, and open.  In many business settings, you will find that the dress is casual.  For more information on the culture and on business etiquette in New Zealand refer to
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/
global-etiquette/new-zealand.html  and
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/nzopportunities/aboutnz/.

Money and Banking:

Credit cards are widely accepted in New Zealand, perhaps even more so than in European countries. It is advisable to set up a bank account if you plan on staying in New Zealand for more than three months. You can, however, set up an account on the phone or by mail, but keep in mind the general amount you will need to open an account can range from $200 to $500. To open an account, you will typically need two forms of identification, an IRD number and possible statements from your previous bank. To find more information on IRD numbers and money and banking in New Zealand in general, visit: http://justlanded.com/english/new_zealand/topics/money

Safety and Security:

For complete safety and security information visit: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_984.html