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New Zealand Culture & Society

New Zealand Maori photo
New Zealand Moriori photo
Kerikeri Stone Store photo
Britten Motorbike photo

New Zealand's culture is rich and diverse due to the blending of European and Polynesian peoples.
 

The influence of Maori, Pacific Island, European and Asian cultures make New Zealand a colourful and vibrant place with many different customs. While the Maori are recognised as the native people of New Zealand, a second group of less known native people called the Moriori exist today in New Zealand's Chatham Islands.

New Zealand has a rich history and is recognised around the world for things like bungy jumping, rugby, kiwifruit, sheep and our beautiful scenery. The national icon is the Kiwi bird; which is also a popular term meaning a New Zealander. Kiwis love sports such as rugby and yachting, the great outdoors, coffee, and the arts.

Mt Cook New Zealand photo

For a small country, Kiwis have a big attitude and believe that they can can achieve anything and love a challenge to prove it. That "can do" attitude has seen New Zealanders excel in many areas. Famous New Zealanders include Sir Edmund Hillary and Ernest Rutherford.

New Zealand has a group of icons or a range of objects that help define what it is to be Kiwi. These things are known as Kiwiana.

 

 

 

 

Author & photographer: David Johnson (Virtual New Zealand). Providing a credit or link is appreciated.
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