| | Need to Know | Capital City Wellington | | Tipping Not obligatory | | Electricity 230/240 V | | Weights and Measurements Metric system
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People & Language
With just 13.7 people per sq. km., NZ is very sparsely populated and the South Island is the place to go to if you don't want to see too many people. Not that you'll see too many people anywhere in New Zealand. NZ is a melting pot for various cultures. Initially the settlers clung onto the British culture, they're now opening up and becoming a part of the changing face of New Zealand. Revival of Maori culture has made the parekhas more aware of their surroundings and the variety of culture that surrounds them. Polynesians brought their unique tradition and culture with them; the Scots came with bagpipes and brogues; and Croatians, Indians and Chinese brought theirs. Australia’s condescending attitude towards its neighbour annoys the Kiwis but the Australian influence is palpable.
The Kiwis are very patriotic, hardworking, sincere (as demonstrated by their anti-nuclear stand), aware of their history and very friendly. You’ll enjoy visiting their country.
English and Maori are the two official languages of NZ. Everyone speaks English but Maori is now staging a comeback and its useful to know some, especially if you're planning to visit a marae (a Maori meeting place and sacred area where Maori culture can be witnessed first hand). Also many places in NZ have Maori names.
Get the hang of NZ English spoken with a distinct Kiwi accent (one that is the source of amusement for many, especially the Australians!), then you'll have an easy time in NZ. Sentences usually end with an 'eh' and in the south the 'r' is rolled pretty extensively. (Scottish legacy?).
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Religion
20% of all Kiwis are atheist. Of the Christians, 24% are Anglican, 18% Presbyterian, 15% are Roman Catholic and the rest are mainly Christians of various denominations including Maori version of Christianity. Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and the Baha'i faith are also represented.
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Food
NZ cuisine epitomises ‘Pacific Rim’ cuisine inspired by an amalgam of European, Asian and Polynesian food styles. NZ lamb and dairy products are known worldwide as are some of the new wines produced locally. Immigrants from India, Middle East, Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, China and Polynesia have not only brought their food styles but also adapted it to local palettes. Local specialities include fruits like the tamorillo, kumara, kiwi fruits; local venison, pork and lam and the sea food caught fresh of the coastal waters. Wines, especially Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are excellent as are some of the beers brewed in the different regions.
A Kiwi chef created the ultimate dessert- the Pavlova- in honour of the famous Ballerina Anna Pavlova. It’s a dream confection of meringue and fresh fruits with lashings of cream!
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Culture & Crafts
The New Zealand fine arts scene is a good mix of Maori and Parekha art forms. On one hand, you have Maori songs, poi dances and woodcarving, and then you have opera, theatre and music. The great quality about NZ art is that everybody is into everything. Maori arts are not restricted to Maoris and neither is Parekha art restricted to the Parekhas. One of the world’s greatest opera divas is Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - a Maori.
Maori songs, drama, folk tales were never written down. They were passed on from generation to generation, through word of mouth. With the Maori written language is making a comeback many of these songs, stories and plays have been written down. Other arts such as the poi dance, action songs and martial arts are highly developed. Crafts such as Tukutuku (wall panelling) can be seen on many Maori churches and houses; wood, bone, and jade carving are crafts that are typically Maori, and one has a good range to choose from.
Literature in NZ is well developed but not well known internationally, apart from a few novelists like Katherine Mansfield and Frank Sagerson. A good book to pick is Maurice Shadbolt's novel ‘The Season of the Jew’ about a band of Maoris who've lost their land and so identify with the Jews. Maori literature has in the last few decades really taken off and there are lots of books written by Maoris and non-Maoris on issues faced by the Maoris, their poetry and songs etc. Some of the more prominent authors are Witi Ihimaera, Keri Hulme and Alan Duff. Alan Duff's ‘Once were Warriors’ has been made into a film - a quite shocking and mind-blowing story of urban Maori life. Try and read the book or catch the movie if you can.
On the subject of movies, ‘Once Were Warriors’, ‘Piano’ (the ‘93 film that won the Academy and Cannes awards) and ‘Heavenly Creatures’ are some of NZ's best films. The New Zealand film industry didn't take off till the 70's so its still pretty much growing but has given the world its small share of actors. Actor Sam Neill's career was launched in the NZ film ‘Sleeping Dogs’ along with director Roger Donaldson. Director Jane Campion's ‘The Piano’ has already put her on the map of good directors and the latest NZ guy to make a bang in Hollywood is Russell Crowe in the movie ‘Gladiator’.
Theatre & Dance thrive in Wellington and other major cities also have active theatre and dance. Even small towns have their own little groups, who hold poetry reading, dance and drama sessions. Most theatre is based on traditional European art forms.
The most popular music in NZ is Irish music. Small town folks love a good Irish dance band style ballad. In the larger towns and cities everything from rock, jazz or blues bands play live, so going out in the evening can be a pleasure. NZ rock is concentrated in the city of Dunedin, the centre of all rock music in the country.
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