#Study in New Zealand Cost
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studyabroad21 · 1 year ago
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Study in New Zealand: Top Universities, Scholarships, Cost
New Zealand, often referred to as the "Land of the Long White Cloud," is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, friendly locals, and a world-class education system. With its diverse culture and high-quality institutions, New Zealand has become an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking a unique and enriching study experience.
Here are some key aspects to consider when contemplating studying in New Zealand:
World-Class Education: New Zealand boasts a robust education system that consistently ranks among the best globally. Its universities and colleges are known for academic excellence, research opportunities, and innovative teaching methods. The education system is closely monitored by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to ensure high standards.
Wide Range of Programs: Whether you're interested in business, technology, healthcare, environmental science, or the arts, New Zealand offers a diverse range of academic programs and degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The flexibility in course selection allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
Safe and Welcoming Environment: New Zealand consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. The friendly Kiwi culture, coupled with the nation's multiculturalism, creates a welcoming atmosphere for international students. It's a place where you can make lifelong friends from all corners of the globe.
Stunning Natural Beauty: New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, from rugged mountains and lush forests to pristine beaches and fjords. Students have the opportunity to explore this stunning landscape and engage in outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and water sports.
Work Opportunities: International students in New Zealand often have the opportunity to work part-time during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks. After graduation, there are various options for obtaining work visas to gain professional experience in New Zealand.
Quality of Life: With a high standard of living, New Zealand offers an excellent quality of life. The healthcare system is world-class, and the country consistently ranks high in quality of life indices.
Research Opportunities: New Zealand universities are known for their research contributions in various fields, including agriculture, environmental science, and technology. If you're interested in pursuing research, you'll find ample opportunities to work with renowned academics.
Cultural Exchange: New Zealand's multicultural society encourages cultural exchange and tolerance. You'll have the chance to learn about and appreciate different cultures while sharing your own traditions.
Support for International Students: New Zealand institutions prioritize the well-being of international students. They offer various support services, including orientation programs, academic advising, and counseling to help you succeed in your studies and adapt to life in a new country.
Post-Study Opportunities: New Zealand offers pathways for international students to extend their stay and work in the country after completing their studies. This can be a valuable step towards gaining international work experience.
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education112434 · 1 year ago
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Study in New Zealand for Indian Students: Top Universities, Cost
Studying in New Zealand offers a unique and enriching educational experience for international students. With its stunning landscapes, friendly people, and high-quality education system, New Zealand has become a sought-after destination for individuals looking to pursue higher education. Here are some key points to consider when thinking about studying in New Zealand:
Academic Excellence: New Zealand is home to several prestigious universities and institutions that offer a wide range of academic programs. The education system is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future careers.
Diverse Course Offerings: Whether you're interested in arts, sciences, engineering, business, healthcare, or any other field, New Zealand universities offer a diverse array of courses and programs to cater to various interests and career aspirations.
Research Opportunities: If you're inclined towards research, New Zealand provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research projects across various disciplines. This exposure can be valuable for both personal growth and future career prospects.
Beautiful Natural Environment: New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from picturesque mountains to pristine beaches. This environment not only offers a fantastic backdrop for your academic pursuits but also provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
Safe and Welcoming Environment: New Zealand is known for being a safe and welcoming country. The friendly and multicultural society makes it easy for international students to adapt to their new surroundings and make friends from around the world.
Work Opportunities: While studying, international students are often allowed to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during breaks. This can help offset living expenses and provide valuable work experience.
Post-Study Work Visa: New Zealand offers a post-study work visa that allows international students to stay in the country for a certain period after completing their studies to gain work experience related to their field of study.
English Language Proficiency: Since most courses in New Zealand are taught in English, international students can improve their English language skills while studying, which can be advantageous for their future careers.
Support Services: Universities in New Zealand provide comprehensive support services for international students, including academic guidance, career counseling, health services, and assistance with accommodation.
Cultural Enrichment: Studying in New Zealand provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Maori and Pacific Islander cultures, learning about their traditions, languages, and history.
Scholarships: There are various scholarships available for international students, which can help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
Application Process: The application process for studying in New Zealand generally involves submitting academic transcripts, English language proficiency test scores (such as IELTS), letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and other documents, depending on the university and program.
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studyabroad64 · 2 years ago
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Study in New Zealand: Colleges, Fees, Cost, Scholarships, and VISA
Studying in New Zealand offers an exceptional educational experience for international students. With its stunning natural landscapes, welcoming culture, and world-class institutions, New Zealand has become a sought-after destination for those seeking quality education abroad. If you're considering studying in New Zealand, here is some valuable information to help you make an informed decision. New Zealand's education system is highly regarded globally, with universities consistently ranking among the top in the world. Institutions such as the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington are renowned for their academic excellence and research contributions. These universities offer a wide range of programs across various disciplines, ensuring that students have ample choices to pursue their academic interests. One of the key advantages of studying in New Zealand is its inclusive and supportive learning environment. The country prides itself on providing a student-centered approach to education, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and practical application of knowledge. Professors and lecturers are known for their accessibility and willingness to help students succeed in their studies. New Zealand's diverse and multicultural society makes it an ideal place for international students. The country is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who embrace cultural diversity and promote inclusivity. This welcoming atmosphere ensures that international students feel at home while studying in New Zealand. In addition to academic pursuits, New Zealand offers numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures and exploration. The country is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, lakes, forests, and pristine beaches. Students can engage in various recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, bungee jumping, and water sports, providing a perfect balance between study and leisure. When it comes to post-study opportunities, New Zealand provides favorable conditions for international graduates. The country offers a post-study work visa, allowing students to gain valuable work experience related to their field of study. This visa option enables students to kick-start their careers and potentially explore permanent residency pathways in New Zealand. To study in New Zealand, international students are typically required to obtain a student visa. The process is straightforward, and there are comprehensive guidelines available on the official website of Immigration New Zealand. Additionally, several scholarships and financial aid options are available for international students to support their education in New Zealand. In conclusion, studying in New Zealand offers a unique and enriching experience for international students. With its world-class education system, welcoming culture, and breathtaking landscapes, New Zealand provides a conducive environment for academic growth, personal development, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, New Zealand is a destination that will leave a lasting impact on your educational journey.
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studyabroad1224 · 2 years ago
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Study Abroad Consultants: Top Universities, Scholarships and Counselling
Studying in New Zealand is an excellent choice for international students seeking a high-quality education and a unique cultural experience. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, friendly locals, and reputable universities, New Zealand has become a popular destination for students from around the world. Here are some key points to consider when studying in New Zealand. Education System: New Zealand offers a world-class education system renowned for its innovation and academic excellence. The country has several highly-ranked universities, institutes of technology, and polytechnics that provide a wide range of courses and programs across various disciplines. Whether you're interested in business, engineering, healthcare, or the arts, you can find suitable study options in New Zealand. Academic Reputation: New Zealand universities consistently rank among the top institutions globally. The academic standards are rigorous, and the qualifications are recognized worldwide. Degrees obtained from New Zealand institutions are highly regarded by employers and academic institutions worldwide, providing graduates with excellent career prospects. Diverse Course Options: New Zealand universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to cater to diverse interests and career goals. Additionally, the country has a strong focus on research and development, providing ample opportunities for students interested in pursuing cutting-edge research projects. Safe and Welcoming Environment: New Zealand is renowned for its safe and welcoming environment. As an international student, you'll be supported by a well-established support system that ensures your well-being and helps you adjust to the new cultural and academic environment. New Zealanders, often referred to as "Kiwis," are known for their friendly and inclusive nature, making it easy to integrate into the local community. Work Opportunities: International students in New Zealand have the opportunity to work part-time during their studies, allowing them to gain valuable work experience while supporting their living expenses. The country also offers post-study work visas that allow graduates to work in New Zealand for a certain period, providing an excellent opportunity to kick-start their careers. Cultural Experience: New Zealand is a culturally diverse nation that celebrates its indigenous Maori heritage alongside influences from various other cultures. As a student, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in this vibrant mix of traditions and customs, enriching your overall educational experience. Stunning Natural Beauty: New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, ranging from snow-capped mountains to picturesque beaches, lush rainforests, and geothermal wonders. During your studies, you can explore these stunning environments, engage in outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and adventure sports, and create lifelong memories. Affordability: While the cost of living in New Zealand may vary depending on the city and lifestyle, it is generally considered more affordable compared to other study destinations like the United States or the United Kingdom. Tuition fees for international students are also competitive, and scholarships and financial aid options are available to support deserving students. When considering studying in New Zealand, it's essential to research and chooses the right university, program, and location that aligns with your academic and personal goals. The New Zealand government and educational institutions provide comprehensive information and support to international students, ensuring a smooth transition and a fulfilling educational experience in this beautiful country.
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iclegalnz · 2 months ago
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New Zealand Student Visas: Types and Costs - Immigration Chambers New Zealand
Understanding types and costs of New Zealand student visas can be complex, but Immigration Chambers makes it simple. From Fee Paying to Pathway Student Visas, our expert advisors guide you every step of the way, offering tailored solutions and seamless support. Your New Zealand study dream is just a call away.
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aptechvisaglobalimmigration · 2 months ago
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New Zealand Spouse Visa Requirements
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For those interested in relocating to New Zealand to join their partner, New Zealand offers an immigration facility known as the New Zealand Spouse Visa which will enable you to live, work and study in New Zealand with your partner as your permanent residency. It is aimed at those who are in a genuine stable relationship, and if your partner is a citizen of New Zealand or a resident of the country. This article provides tips on the requisites, how to apply and some important things to consider regarding the subject in discussion.
What Is the New Zealand Spouse Visa?
The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa enables individuals to obtain residency based on their relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident. The visa is perfect for couples who meet the residency and relationship criteria and wish to build a life together in New Zealand.
Key Features of This Visa:
• Length of Stay: Indefinite.
• Cost: Starts at NZD $5360.
• Processing Time: 80% of applications are processed within seven months.
• Privileges:
§  Live, work, and study in New Zealand.
§  Include dependent children aged 24 or under in your application.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Identity Documents
•                 One acceptable photo for online applications or two for paper-based submissions.
•                 A passport or certificate of identity.
•                 A full birth certificate (original or certified copy).
2. Health and Character
·        Health: A chest x-ray is all clear, and a medical checkup is to ensure that the candidate is in good health.
·        Character: For those people, who will be staying in New Zealand for more than 24 months and are 17 years old and over, police certificates are necessary.
3. Your Partner’s Immigration Status
 It will pay the price of a New Zealand passport or birth certificate.
·        Certificate of New Zealand citizenship.
·        Residence visa (if applicable).
·        For partners with Australian citizenship or residence, evidence of their living in New Zealand is mandatory.
 4. Relationship Proof
You and your partner must demonstrate that you have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months. Evidence includes:
•       Shared finances, bills, and tenancy agreements.
•       Photos, social media interactions, and communications.
•       Statements from family and friends validating your relationship.  
5. Dependent Children
•       Children must be single, aged 24 or under, and reliant on an adult for financial support.
•       Provide proof of your relationship with the children, such as birth certificates or adoption documents.
Your Partner’s Obligations
It is equally important that your partner provides support to your application. They must meet the following criteria:
1. Good Character: This means police certificates are needed in any state where your partner has spent 12+ months in the past 10 years.
2. Residency in New Zealand: If they have been granted residency based on Australian citizenship or residency they will need to show proof that they live in New Zealand, this can be through the production of bills, tenancy agreements or employment records.
3. Support Form: Your partner must provide the completed form Partnership Support Form for Residence (INZ 1178).
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How to Apply
1. Prepare Documentation
After documents; photocopy and other necessary identity proofs; health and character certificates and any other proofs of your relationship.
2. Submit the Application
Applications can be submitted either:
•       Online: Unfortunately, despite the convenience of being able to upload scanned copies of documents
•       Paper-Based: Send the original or certified copies to Immigration New Zealand.
3. Pay the Fee
The initial amount for the application fee is NZD $5360, but it changes depending on the country of application.
4. Processing Time
Typically, most applications are decided within seven months, and sometimes more time is needed if documents submitted are missing or else some further investigation is necessary.
Key Conditions Once Your Visa Is Approved  
•       Entry Permission: Fill in the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) on arrival if you are arriving from a country with a risk of GMO presence.
•       Travel Conditions: You can come in and out of New Zealand without any restriction for two years. Thereafter, it is necessary to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa to renew travel conditions, and so on.
•       Validity of Passport: Make sure that your visa is always tied to a valid passport.
Getting Your Application Ready: Useful Tips  
1. Be Thorough: Make sure your evidence includes every type of contact you have had with your partner – romantic, financial, and social.
2. Document Everything: Maintain any account where you both deposit money as well as shared chores and special occasions in your relationship.
3. Seek Expert Help: Governing policies when it comes to immigration are quite liberal and not very easy to understand. It should always be an Individual who seeks the services of an experienced immigration consultant.
 Why hire professional help?
The information about visas and strict compliance with its regulations might be extremely confusing. Expert consultants, such as Aptech Visa, offer end-to-end assistance in:
·        Preparing documentation.
·        Ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
·        Representing your case effectively.
Having practised their profession for several years, they ensure visa application is easy and not problematic.
Conclusion
The New Zealand Spouse Visa is a critical window to create couples future in New Zealand because applying all the following steps of course; you are assured of coming up with a good application; ensuring that one is eligible for the grant, making sure you submit all the documents needed and when in doubt, seek for help. If well planned it can be easy and helps you kick start a new chapter in New Zealand!
For more information you can refer to https://www.aptechvisa.com/new-zealand-spouse-visa   you can also contact our New Zealand Immigration Consultants at 7503832132, you can also write to [email protected]
For more information please visit our testimonials https://www.aptechvisa.com/testimonial
#For those interested in relocating to New Zealand to join their partner#New Zealand offers an immigration facility known as the New Zealand Spouse Visa which will enable you to live#work and study in New Zealand with your partner as your permanent residency. It is aimed at those who are in a genuine stable relationship#and if your partner is a citizen of New Zealand or a resident of the country. This article provides tips on the requisites#how to apply and some important things to consider regarding the subject in discussion.#What Is the New Zealand Spouse Visa?#The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa enables individuals to obtain residency based on their relationship with a New Zealand citizen#Key Features of This Visa:#• Length of Stay: Indefinite.#• Cost: Starts at NZD $5360.#• Processing Time: 80% of applications are processed within seven months.#• Privileges:#§ Live#work#and study in New Zealand.#§ Include dependent children aged 24 or under in your application.#Eligibility Requirements#1. Identity Documents#• One acceptable photo for online applications or two for paper-based submissions.#• A passport or certificate of identity.#• A full birth certificate (original or certified copy).#2. Health and Character#· Health: A chest x-ray is all clear#and a medical checkup is to ensure that the candidate is in good health.#· Character: For those people#who will be staying in New Zealand for more than 24 months and are 17 years old and over#police certificates are necessary.#3. Your Partner’s Immigration Status#It will pay the price of a New Zealand passport or birth certificate.#· Certificate of New Zealand citizenship.
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elaneducationloans · 6 months ago
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amitkakkareasyvisa · 6 months ago
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(via New Zealand Announces Doubling of Student Visa Fees from October 2024)
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studypathways · 1 year ago
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Embark on your academic journey with Study Pathways. Study abroad in New Zealand with confidence, as we provide comprehensive support, ensuring you're covered every step of the way. More at https://bit.ly/4axu0vF
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abroadeducation · 1 year ago
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Study in New Zealand: Application process, cost for Indian students 
Introduction: 
New Zealand is a popular destination for international students, thanks to its high-quality education system, beautiful scenery, and safe and friendly environment. The application process for studying in New Zealand is relatively straightforward, and the cost of tuition and living expenses is comparable to other developed countries. 
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Application Process: 
The first step in the application process is to choose a university or college in New Zealand. You can search for institutions on the New Zealand government's website. Once you have chosen a few schools, you can contact them directly to request information about their programs and application requirements. 
The application requirements for international students vary from school to school. However, most schools will require you to submit the following: 
A completed application form 
Official transcripts from your previous schools 
[Learn more: Get A Work-permit Visa And Find Work In New Zealand] 
English language test scores (such as the IELTS or TOEFL) 
A personal statement 
Letters of recommendation 
You may also be required to provide proof of financial support.
Working While Studying: 
International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in New Zealand. This can help you to cover some of your living expenses. 
Cost of Tuition and Living Expenses: 
The cost of tuition and living expenses in New Zealand varies depending on the school and the city you choose to live in. However, you can expect to pay around NZD$20,000 per year for tuition. Living expenses will cost an additional NZD$15,000 per year. 
There are a number of scholarships to study in New Zealand and financial aid opportunities available for international students. You can find information about these programs on the New Zealand government's website. 
After Graduation: 
After you graduate from a New Zealand university, you may be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. This visa will allow you to stay in New Zealand and work for up to 3 years. 
Here are some additional tips for studying in New Zealand: 
Start planning early: The application process can take several months, so it is important to start planning early. 
Research different schools and programs: There are many great schools and programs in New Zealand, so it is important to do your research and choose the right one for you. 
Apply for scholarships and financial aid: There are a number of scholarships and financial aid opportunities available for international students. 
Learn about New Zealand culture and customs: It is important to learn about the culture and customs of New Zealand before you arrive. This will help you to make the most of your time there. 
Get involved in extracurricular activities: Getting involved in extracurricular activities is a great way to meet new people and make friends. 
Enjoy your time in New Zealand: New Zealand is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. Make sure to enjoy your time there. 
Conclusion: 
Studying in New Zealand can be a great way to get a high-quality education in a beautiful and safe environment. The application process is relatively straightforward, and the cost of living in New Zealand is comparable to other developed countries. If you are considering studying abroad, New Zealand is a great option to consider. 
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shuraa-education · 1 year ago
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How to get a new zealand student visa cost
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Students going to New Zealand for studies would be required to apply for a Student Visa that allows them to study full-time in the country for a specified period. Nevertheless, to apply for this visa, they need to meet certain conditions such as an admission letter from the university, proof of funds, SOP, and many more. The New Zealand study visa cost depends on the type of visa the candidate opts for. Additionally, there are different types of visas such as Fee-Paying Student Visa, Foreign Government Supported Student Visa, Exchange Student Visas, and Pathway Student Visa. Contact Shuraa Exchange to learn about these different visas in detail.
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edustan · 2 years ago
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While New Zealand may be one of the cheapest study destinations for international students, studying there on a budget with proper planning and budgeting is still possible.
It is advised that Indian students carefully consider their budget, investigate the programmes and institutions they are interested in attending, and ensure they have enough money to pay their New Zealand tuition expenses.
Also, many students may find that it is a good investment due to the high standard of education and the lifestyle in New Zealand.
Continue reading as we review the direct expenses for studying in New Zealand, including the tuition fees for overseas students.
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allthecanadianpolitics · 8 months ago
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The report analyzed middle-income affordability across 94 major markets in eight countries, including Canada, China, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom. Each city is ranked based on its median multiple score which is determined by dividing the average house price in a city by its gross median household income. A score under three is considered “affordable”, a score between 3.1 to four is considered “moderately unaffordable”, a score between 4.1 to five is considered “seriously unaffordable,” a score between 5.1 to 8.9 is considered “severely unaffordable” and this year, a new category of “impossibly unaffordable” was added for cities scoring nine or higher. Toronto scored 9.3 and ranks 11th on the housing unaffordability list and Vancouver scored 12.3 and ranks third on the list.
Continue Reading
Tagging: @newsfromstolenland
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seat-safety-switch · 8 months ago
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Many argue that the strength of Western civilization is its strong historical bedrock of legal practices, verified knowledge, and careful study. Others will say that it's ambition, rule-breaking, and adventure that drive success. I disagree with both sides, which proves I am the most intelligent of all. What makes Western civilization great is junkyards.
Sure, other countries have junkyards. Some of them are really great: China has vast miles of industrial refuse, enough that you could build projects for a million lifetimes. The Dutch have charming feral populations that live within their abandoned DAFs. However, I can’t walk to any of those countries when my shitbox Dodge throws a rod, which is what makes our local ones the best in all the lands.
Here, too, is the essential tension. All the scums who want you to buy new cars live here, or at least their rich failchildren do, and they would really rather prefer you stop pulling random components out of the trash heap and slapping them into the vague configuration of an automobile. Otherwise, they can’t afford their own space station. New Zealand? They don’t have a car industry at all. If you want to make a car out of papier maché there, there’s no industry fat cat to call his golf buddy and make some unjust, arbitrary horseshit like “should probably have a windshield” the law of the land. Some of the fun in thumbing your nose at The Man is gone.
That’s why I’m really patriotic about our shitty yards full of garbage that cost you a few bucks to roll around in cancer mud. However, like any true patriot, I acknowledge that our system isn’t perfect. It has room for improvement. And if the small island nation of Japan is willing to pony up a couple bucks for a plane ticket, I am perfectly willing to visit all of their junkyards on a fact-finding mission to figure out if any of them contain an axle for a 1980 Plymouth Sapporo. Call it my little contribution to world peace.
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covid-safer-hotties · 5 months ago
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Long Covid could be costing NZ $2 billion a year in lost productivity: Experts urge preventive action - Published Sept 9, 2024
Long Covid could be costing the economy of Aotearoa New Zealand at least NZ$2 billion per year from reduced worker productivity, and that’s excluding health costs.
In the latest Briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre – Long Covid: High economic burden justifies further preventive efforts – researchers summarise local and international evidence about the impacts of Long Covid on productivity.
University of Auckland health economist Professor Paula Lorgelly highlights estimates from a recently-published economic analysis in Australia that modelled the effects of Long Covid on productivity and GDP. “The research suggests that Long Covid is likely costing the Australian economy approximately AU$9.6 billion, equivalent to 0.5% of Australia’s GDP. And that’s a conservative estimate.”
Professor Lorgelly says it is likely that Long Covid is having a comparable economic impact in NZ where a 0.5% reduction in GDP translates to approximately NZ$2 billion per year. “While this is an estimate, it’s plausible that Long Covid significantly impacts productivity here. Further evidence of productivity harm comes from the Long COVID Registry Aotearoa which recently reported that individuals with Long Covid are working between seven and ten fewer hours a week than before the pandemic.”
Lead author Associate Professor Amanda Kvalsvig from the University of Otago says the NZ Government needs to respond with urgency to worldwide evidence of ongoing harms from Covid-19. “High year-round infection and reinfection rates mean that each week, another cohort of New Zealanders enters the Long Covid lottery.”
She says NZ needs to step up preventive action, including improving the air quality in schools and other workplaces to stop the virus from spreading so easily indoors. “Covid-19 vaccines are proven to reduce the risk of Long Covid and that knowledge should be reflected in NZ’s vaccine strategy. Eligibility for boosters should be expanded to younger age groups with a strong emphasis on occupations at increased risk such as teachers.”
Dr. Kvalsvig also emphasises the need for occupational and social support, including extended sick leave policies and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
Professor Lorgelly says that while the Australian research has given us an indicator of the huge productivity loss NZ is facing, robust local studies are needed to quantify the true cost.
“Without accurate data, it will be difficult for policymakers to make informed decisions about how to efficiently and equitably protect New Zealanders from the health and economic harms of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”
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posttexasstressdisorder · 4 months ago
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How Trump's billionaires are hijacking affordable housing
Thom Hartmann
October 24, 2024 8:52AM ET
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Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends the 79th annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York City, U.S., October 17, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
America’s morbidly rich billionaires are at it again, this time screwing the average family’s ability to have decent, affordable housing in their never-ending quest for more, more, more. Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, and Denmark have had enough and done something about it: we should, too.
There are a few things that are essential to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” that should never be purely left to the marketplace; these are the most important sectors where government intervention, regulation, and even subsidy are not just appropriate but essential. Housing is at the top of that list.
A few days ago I noted how, since the Reagan Revolution, the cost of housing has exploded in America, relative to working class income.
When my dad bought his home in the 1950s, for example, the median price of a single-family house was around 2.2 times the median American family income. Today the St. Louis Fed says the median house sells for $417,700 while the median American income is $40,480—a ratio of more than 10 to 1 between housing costs and annual income.
ALSO READ: He’s mentally ill:' NY laughs ahead of Trump's Madison Square Garden rally
In other words, housing is about five times more expensive (relative to income) than it was in the 1950s.
And now we’ve surged past a new tipping point, causing the homelessness that’s plagued America’s cities since George W. Bush’s deregulation-driven housing- and stock-market crash in 2008, exacerbated by Trump’s bungling America’s pandemic response.
And the principal cause of both that crash and today’s crisis of homelessness and housing affordability has one, single, primary cause: billionaires treating housing as an investment commodity.
A new report from Popular Democracy and the Institute for Policy Studies reveals how billionaire investors have become a major driver of the nationwide housing crisis. They summarize in their own words:
— Billionaire-backed private equity firms worm their way into different segments of the housing market to extract ever-increasing rents and value from multi-family rental, single-family homes, and mobile home park communities. — Global billionaires purchase billions in U.S. real estate to diversify their asset holdings, driving the creation of luxury housing that functions as “safety deposit boxes in the sky.” Estimates of hidden wealth are as high as $36 trillion globally, with billions parked in U.S. land and housing markets. — Wealthy investors are acquiring property and holding units vacant, so that in many communities the number of vacant units greatly exceeds the number of unhoused people. Nationwide there are 16 million vacant homes: that is, 28 vacant homes for every unhoused person. — Billionaire investors are buying up a large segment of the short-term rental market, preventing local residents from living in these homes, in order to cash in on tourism. These are not small owners with one unit, but corporate owners with multiple properties. — Billionaire investors and corporate landlords are targeting communities of color and low-income residents, in particular, with rent increases, high rates of eviction, and unhealthy living conditions. What’s more, billionaire-owned private equity firms are investing in subsidized housing, enjoying tax breaks and public benefits, while raising rents and evicting low-income tenants from housing they are only required to keep affordable, temporarily. (Emphasis theirs.)
It seems that everywhere you look in America you see the tragedy of the homelessness these billionaires are causing. Rarely, though, do you hear about the role of Wall Street and its billionaires in causing it.
The math, however, is irrefutable.
Thirty-two percent is the magic threshold, according to research funded by the real estate listing company Zillow. When neighborhoods hit rent rates in excess of 32 percent of neighborhood income, homelessness explodes. And we’re seeing it play out right in front of us in cities across America because a handful of Wall Street billionaires are making a killing.
As the Zillow study notes:
“Across the country, the rent burden already exceeds the 32 percent [of median income] threshold in 100 of the 386 markets included in this analysis….”
And wherever housing prices become more than three times annual income, homelessness stalks like the grim reaper. That Zillow-funded study laid it out:
“This research demonstrates that the homeless population climbs faster when rent affordability — the share of income people spend on rent — crosses certain thresholds. In many areas beyond those thresholds, even modest rent increases can push thousands more Americans into homelessness.”
This trend is massive.
As noted in a Wall Street Journal article titled “Meet Your New Landlord: Wall Street,” in just one suburb (Spring Hill) of Nashville:
“In all of Spring Hill, four firms … own nearly 700 houses … [which] amounts to about 5% of all the houses in town.”
This is the tiniest tip of the iceberg.
“On the first Tuesday of each month,” notes the Journal article about a similar phenomenon in Atlanta, investors “toted duffels stuffed with millions of dollars in cashier’s checks made out in various denominations so they wouldn’t have to interrupt their buying spree with trips to the bank…”
The same thing is happening in cities and suburbs all across America; agents for the billionaire investor goliaths use fine-tuned computer algorithms to sniff out houses they can turn into rental properties, making over-market and unbeatable cash bids often within minutes of a house hitting the market.
After stripping neighborhoods of homes young families can afford to buy, billionaires then begin raising rents to extract as much cash as they can from local working class communities.
In the Nashville suburb of Spring Hill, the vice-mayor, Bruce Hull, told the Journal you used to be able to rent “a three bedroom, two bath house for $1,000 a month.” Today, the Journal notes:
“The average rent for 148 single-family homes in Spring Hill owned by the big four [Wall Street billionaire investor] landlords was about $1,773 a month…”
As the Bank of International Settlements summarized in a 2014 retrospective study of the years since the Reagan/Gingrich changes in banking and finance:
“We describe a Pareto frontier along which different levels of risk-taking map into different levels of welfare for the two parties, pitting Main Street against Wall Street. … We also show that financial innovation, asymmetric compensation schemes, concentration in the banking system, and bailout expectations enable or encourage greater risk-taking and allocate greater surplus to Wall Street at the expense of Main Street.”
It’s a fancy way of saying that billionaire-owned big banks and hedge funds have made trillions on housing while you and your community are becoming destitute.
Ryan Dezember, in his book Underwater: How Our American Dream of Homeownership Became a Nightmare, describes the story of a family trying to buy a home in Phoenix. Every time they entered a bid, they were outbid instantly, the price rising over and over, until finally the family’s father threw in the towel.
“Jacobs was bewildered,” writes Dezember. “Who was this aggressive bidder?”
Turns out it was Blackstone Group, now the world’s largest real estate investor run by a major Trump supporter. At the time they were buying $150 million worth of American houses every week, trying to spend over $10 billion. And that’s just a drop in the overall bucket.
As that new study from Popular Democracy and the Institute for Policy Studies found:
“[Billionaire Stephen Schwarzman’s] Blackstone is the largest corporate landlord in the world, with a vast and diversified real estate portfolio. It owns more than 300,000 residential units across the U.S., has $1 trillion in global assets, and nearly doubled its profits in 2021. “Blackstone owns 149,000 multi-family apartment units; 63,000 single-family homes; 70 mobile home parks with 13,000 lots through their subsidiary Treehouse Communities; and student housing, through American Campus Communities (144,300 beds in 205 properties as of 2022). Blackstone recently acquired 95,000 units of subsidized housing.”
In 2018, corporations and the billionaires that own or run them bought 1 out of every 10 homes sold in America, according to Dezember, noting that:
“Between 2006 and 2016, when the homeownership rate fell to its lowest level in fifty years, the number of renters grew by about a quarter.”
And it’s gotten worse every year since then.
This all really took off around a decade ago following the Bush Crash, when Morgan Stanley published a 2011 report titled “The Rentership Society,” arguing that snapping up houses and renting them back to people who otherwise would have wanted to buy them could be the newest and hottest investment opportunity for Wall Street’s billionaires and their funds.
Turns out, Morgan Stanley was right. Warren Buffett, KKR, and The Carlyle Group have all jumped into residential real estate, along with hundreds of smaller investment groups, and the National Home Rental Council has emerged as the industry’s premiere lobbying group, working to block rent control legislation and other efforts to control the industry.
As John Husing, the owner of Economics and Politics Inc., told The Tennessean newspaper:
“What you have are neighborhoods that are essentially unregulated apartment houses. It could be disastrous for the city.”
As Zillow found:
“The areas that are most vulnerable to rising rents, unaffordability, and poverty hold 15 percent of the U.S. population — and 47 percent of people experiencing homelessness.”
The loss of affordable homes also locks otherwise middle class families out of the traditional way wealth is accumulated — through home ownership: over 61% of all American middle-income family wealth is their home’s equity.
And as families are priced out of ownership and forced to rent, they become more vulnerable to homelessness.
Housing is one of the primary essentials of life. Nobody in America should be without it, and for society to work, housing costs must track incomes in a way that makes housing both available and affordable.
Singapore, Denmark, New Zealand, and parts of Canada have all put limits on billionaire, corporate, and foreign investment in housing, recognizing families’ residences as essential to life rather than purely a commodity. Multiple other countries are having that debate or moving to take similar actions as you read these words.
America should, too.
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