Nelson English Centre for international students t

Nelson is home to many different types of people, which makes it a very interesting place to live and study. From wealthy American migrants in Nelson city, to extreme alternative organic farmers in Golden Bay, to traditional apple farming families and exclusive Bretheren Christians; Nelson is a patchwork of groups. Nelson people love sport, art, the outdoors and enjoy the wonderful food and wine the region has to offer. They are proud to live in the beautiful region of Nelson and enjoy sharing it with visitors from all over the world.

Artists and travellers

There are artists, potters and inventors, wine growers, orchardists, diary farmers. Nelson city has a strong party and celebration culture and a small but important drum and bass following. Murchison and parts of Golden Bay are home to traditional diary farming families more like the centre of the North Island. Each Christmas the population of Nelson doubles with Christchurch city people there for the sunshine.

Nelson is a unique blend of city comfort, mixed with access to remarkable wilderness areas, populated with both family and non-conformist people.

Migration to New Zealand

Nelson has the highest percentage of overseas born residents in New Zealand. These are mainly British migrants, but there are large numbers of Americans, Germans, Swiss, Scandinavians and Dutch. Small communities of Thais, Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese exist. In addition there are a very large numbers of young New Zealand families who have worked in Auckland, Sydney, Singapore or London for example in careers, who have returned to Nelson to bring up their children in a great environment.

Recently, out of fifteen staff in Nelson English Centre for example there were no staff members who were born in Nelson – all had come here from other parts of New Zealand or the world for the lifestyle.

Helpful local people

Our diverse community

Artists and travellers

Migration to New Zealand