According to the 2026 Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics & Peace, New Zealand has been ranked the 2nd most peaceful country in the world, behind only Iceland.
As someone who has lived in New Zealand since 2009, this ranking feels personal to me.
When I first came here, I came for a job.
To be honest, before my New Zealand journey started, I did not even fully know where New Zealand was on the map. I was a young Filipino nurse looking for an opportunity, hoping that working overseas would give me a better future and allow me to help my family.
I did not know then that New Zealand would become more than just a workplace.
It became home.
After 17 years of living here, building my life here, working as a nurse, growing through different seasons, meeting people from all walks of life, and becoming part of the Filipino community in New Zealand, I can honestly say that I am deeply grateful.
I have been blessed to visit beautiful places around the world, including Europe and America. Every country has its own beauty, culture, and opportunities.
But there is always something very special about coming home to New Zealand.
There is a sense of calm.
A sense of space.
A sense of safety.
A feeling that life does not always have to be rushed.
A feeling that you can breathe, rebuild, and begin again.
That does not mean New Zealand is perfect.
We still face real challenges. The cost of living is high. Housing can be difficult. Many families are working very hard. Some migrants still feel lonely, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward.
But even with these challenges, many of us still recognise the blessing of living in a country where peace, safety, stability, and opportunity are part of everyday life.
The Global Peace Index does not measure only crime. It looks at several indicators, including safety and security, political stability, violent crime, military expenditure, international conflict, incarceration rates, and terrorism impact. This means New Zealand’s ranking reflects the wider peace and stability of the country, not just whether people feel safe walking down the street.
And maybe that is why this ranking matters.
Because for migrants like many of us, peace is not just a statistic.
Peace is being able to raise our children in a safer environment.
Peace is walking outside and feeling less afraid.
Peace is knowing that hard work can open doors.
Peace is having systems that may not be perfect, but still give people a chance.
Peace is being able to dream again after years of survival.
Many of us came to New Zealand seeking a better quality of life, better opportunities, and a more secure future for our families.
Rankings like this remind us why New Zealand continues to be one of the most desirable places to call home.
But I also believe this:
Living in a peaceful country is a blessing, but we still need to be intentional with the opportunity.
It is not enough to simply live here. We also need to learn how to settle well, grow wisely, build community, manage our money, create opportunities, and make the most of the life we have been given.
Because the goal is not just to move to New Zealand.
The goal is to build a meaningful, stable, and prosperous life here.
If you are new to New Zealand, planning to move here, or still finding your way as a migrant, we created a simple guide to help you understand the journey better and take your next steps with more confidence.
Because New Zealand may be one of the most peaceful countries in the world — but building your life here still requires courage, wisdom, community, and action.
