Meet Australia's Little Brother

Aside from Australia, migration experts say that another country that would be a good place to move into is New Zealand. These islands (there are actually two of them) off the southeastern coast of the continent, have in fact began catching the interest of many foreigners who want to move in here. And you will probably be surprised to know that one of the biggest foreign population in the country is that of Australians.

Before looking more into the prospects of living in New Zealand, it would be a good idea to know a little bit about the country. Unlike the neighboring continent, which has been settled for more than 50,000 years, the islands of New Zealand were only inhabited in relatively recent times. The first Polynesian colonizers arrived here in the 12^th century AD, though there are some experts that say that people might have arrived here much earlier.

On the other hand, European exploration of the islands begun in the early 17^th century. It is here that you would find an interesting connection between it and Australia. You see, the first European who set foot in New Zealand is the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. You will probably remember Tasman from the history books as the man who also first explored the state of Tasmania (and for whom it was eventually named). Also, the famed Captain James Cook, who founded the colonies on the continent, also made subsequent journeys to the islands. Eventually, both the two countries became colonies of Britain.

How the islands got the name of New Zealand got the name (again, considering that there are two of them) is a rather interesting one. Until recently, there was actually no name for the two islands together. The North Island was simply know as such, and so is the South Island. However, the first mention of the name New Zealand became popular among Dutch cartographers (map makers) as they saw it as similar to the Dutch province of Zealand. Eventually, it was James Cook who christened the islands New Zealand, from the older term.

It would be interesting to date that because of their similar histories of being under the British, both countries share ties with each other. In fact, they both mutually recognize each other's citizens. Thus, people can actually travel in between Australia and New Zealand without having to get a visa first. Aside from that, there are also other benefits that are mutually awarded to citizens of both countries.

And just like Australia, New Zealand is fast becoming a favorite among travelers. In fact, many are looking forward to seeing the islands' exotic landscape. This makes the islands another must for tourists.

Image Source:
http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/nztourism_wideweb__470x338,2.jpg 

Interest Rates Frozen in Australia Despite Global Recession

Since the time that recession dim the globe, panic took place. Especially to those who are in business. They are in great fear of finding their businesses in bankrupt. Recession is like a virus that is hard to restrain and the spread is contagious. But the Australia government says, there is no need to panic, there is no increase on rates.

While job employment decreases throughout Australia. People still find the country as a good place for business. With good financial services and protection, Australia is still a venue for investors and small time businessmen. Australian migration is still a very good step to take. Economists and analysts are doing necessary steps to make their economy stay firm.

“The talk about rate hikes was insubstantial and will remain unchanged until next year”. This was the statement collated from Australian economists by The Sunday Telegraph. Backed up by well studied economic data, the news insists that financial markets are pricing in two quarter-point hikes in 2010.

However, most economist who participated in this survey said that it is wrong to price in two rate hikes early next year. They also added that there would be no change until the latter part of 2010 or we will get a further cut in the cash rate later this year as unemployment stats keep on increasing.

Rory Robertson, a Macquarie Bank rate strategist said that this freeze on the interest rate was caused by the deteriorating unemployment rate. “Having a demand for job might mean increase on rates. But since analysts' forecasts says that unemployment will continue on the coming months, the agenda on the rate hikes is still off.” he added.

Bad news on the employment is a good news on the interest rates.

ANZ economists once predicted that there will be rate cuts late this year but scratched it and announced that there will be no more increase until November next year.

“But definitely, the next move will be up.” says Saul Eslake, the ANZ Chief Economist prior to his statement saying they got over the whole 2005 without a change on rates.

With this news, Australia can still endure more and more investments while assuring no bankruptcy. Business starters, small or big, are sure that their capital won't just be melted by the recession.

Anyways, Australia migration increases despite unemployment landslide. This proves that Australia can still bear the challenge of recession. The government has been making extra efforts to protect the investors and heighten up the business investment rates.