Living in Northland

Cost of Living

Current exchange rate conversions are available online at www.xe.com/ucc .

CONSUMER GOODS
New Zealand produces a wide range of competitively priced consumer goods of a similar style and quality to those found overseas.

The items we do need to import such as motor vehicles, electrical and computer equipment and petroleum products are priced similarly to or, in many cases, are cheaper than in other comparable countries. While bargains can be found during frequent retail sales, overall the cost of individual items doesn’t vary markedly between regions.

Latest figures show that the average household’s income was $60.443 (2003/04) and average weekly spending was $888 per household. (Figures are from 2003/04 in $NZ). For more information go to http://newzealandnow.info

As at the 2001 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings, the total average annual household spend in Northland was $36,377, compared to the New Zealand average of $42,682.

TAXATION
New Zealand has experienced huge economic and fiscal deregulation in the last fifteen years. This has included privatization of many state enterprises and other free market reforms.

Income tax rates are currently 19.5 per cent on the first NZ$38,000 earned and 33 per cent on any subsequent income up to NZ$60,000 per year. A top tax rate of 39 per cent applies to income earned over NZ$60,000 per year.

A Goods & Services Tax of 12.5 per cent is levied on virtually all goods and services. In most instances this is included in the price of goods and services and is not charged separately at the cash register. As a guideline, the average New Zealander would pay about 28 per cent of income in either direct or indirect tax.