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The culture in New Zealand is
very dynamic and unique. The indigenous people of
the country, the Maori, have a culture that affects
the arts, language, as well as the accents of all
the people of New Zealand. Their position in the
South Pacific and their affection for the outdoors,
arts, and sports make the culture of New Zealanders
truly unique from the rest of the world.
Today’s New Zealanders are mostly highly educated
and sophisticated city dwellers. The majority of New
Zealanders embrace the culture and technology of the
21st century because they are part of a vibrant and
unique society of several cultures. |
And yet, New Zealanders have a heritage characterized by
hardy individualism yet quiet demeanor, ingenious
inventiveness, and self reliance. All these qualities are
still seen today, even in these modern times.
Although the population in New Zealand is diverse, there are
some qualities in each culture that bind it together making
it a truly unique blend of what is uniquely New Zealand. Its
relatively isolated location in the South Pacific and
rugged, uneven landscapes still affect many New Zealanders
and keep them independent, quiet, self-reliant, resourceful,
and ingenuous in a “Kiwi” way.
More than 400 years ago, long before Columbus and the
European scramble for supremacy over land and sea, at a time
when sailors were still afraid that they would fall off the
edge of the earth, the ancient Maori had already traveled in
small canoes thousands of miles across the vast Pacific
Ocean. They developed their own system of navigation
employing the currents and stars in order to get to what is
now known as New Zealand.
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Pioneers of New Zealand from
Europe were also independent, brave, and rugged.
Prior to establishing settlements and farms, they
first had to make the land ready by clearing it.
This was a painstaking and often dangerous endeavor.
The early settlers on New Zealand had to be
multi-skilled and hardy because they were isolated
from the rest of the world and were exposed to
nature. This ingenuity and resourcefulness has
greatly affected the character of the people in New
Zealand.
These exact qualities are still seen, even to this
day, in the new immigrants building their lives in
the nation. A new generation of young Kiwi corporate
types, film makers, makers of computer software,
sportsmen and women, and fashion designers are
making waves across the globe. |
Even before the atom was split by Sir Ernest Rutherford in
the early 20th century, Kiwis were already busy inventing
and discovering things. Several of these inventions had
actually been developed and created in backyards.
New Zealand’s low density in population and its spectacular
scenery have resulted in the majority of New Zealanders
appreciating deeply the beauty of their surroundings and
engender in their hearts a true love for the outdoors.
New Zealanders enjoy mountaineering, hiking, and kayaking as
well as exploring beaches and the bush (a large patch of
land uncultivated and unsettled). Bungee jumping, a New
Zealand invention, is also a great way to experience the
vastness of the New Zealand landscape.
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