New Zealand

Half way through the 19th century the Polynesian Maori gave sovereignty to Queen Victoria, enabling the British to colonize the country. In early 1900’s New Zealand became an independent dominion.

Over the past 20 years New Zealand moved away from an agrarian economy to a more industrialized one with the ultimate goal to become competitive in the global marketplace.

Nowadays, New Zealanders enjoy modern economy and a high standard of living. The tertiary sector is the largest in the economy. For more than 2 decades governments in New Zealand have focused on macroeconomic restructuring with the aim to transform the country from a regulated and protectionist to a liberal free trade economy. There have been ups and downs but overall, the economy has been making headway. Currently the government’s strategy is to turn New Zealand into a knowledge-based economy and is looking at free trade agreements with key global players such as China.