New Zealand Culture

by Janelle Yong

New Zealand’s culture is very much influenced by its indigenous people and unique geographical isolation of islands. New Zealand is known for its native wildlife, sports, food and amazing natural beauty.

Native Wildlife: New Zealand has many unique native fish, insects, birds, lizards and frogs. The only native mammals are bats and marine mammals. NZ is known as the seabird capital of the world, and is also home to a large number and variety of forest birds that are found nowhere else in the world. Bats are NZ’s only native land mammals. And if you didn't know, there are also three sheep to every human living in NZ.

Sports: The three major sports played in New Zealand are rugby, basketball and cricket. New Zealand and Australia have friendly banter when it comes to these sports. Sport in New Zealand largely reflects its British colonial heritage, as rugby, basketball and cricket are played in the Commonwealth Games. New Zealand is a small country, but is successful especially in rugby union.

Food: New Zealand cuisine is largely driven by local ingredients and seasonal variations. An island nation with a primarily agricultural economy, New Zealand yields produce from land and sea. Fun fact, pavlova and lamingtons are originated from the Kiwis, not Aussies! (back off you Aussies, my Kiwi friends and I dislike you guys claiming you created these coz thats being dishonest!!! haha carrying on…)

Natural Features: New Zealand is very ‘green’ and beautiful. An example could be Tongariro Crossing/ Circuit. The snowy mountains and fresh green grassy scenery is a classic example of the beauty New Zealand has to share. 

Indigenous Culture: The Maoris are very well known to many western countries. The indigenous culture in New Zealand is very strong as opposed to Australia. You learn the Māori language at school, and during assemblies, some children are selected to learn and administer the Māori war dance, the Haka. The vigorous movements and loud sounds are remarkably impressive. Today, Maori make up over 14 percent of the population.

New Zealand in general is seen as a country with a rich history, background and culture. The cultural input of the indigenous Māori and the various waves of multi-ethnic migration, followed by the British colonisation in New Zealand.

I am from New Zealand, so I may tend to have a bias when typing this blogpost, but honestly, New Zealand is such an amazing place, and if you have the chance, 100% go visit New Zealand :)