NEW ZEALAND

General Information

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONNew Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses ‒ that of the North and South Islands ‒ and numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometers (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometers (600 mi) south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans.

CLIMATE New Zealand's climate is

varied Because that the country from south to north has a length of about 1700 km. North Island has a subtropical maritime climate, while the South Island maritime temperate climate. Summer lasts from December to February and winter from June to August. Temperature differences between the seasons are minimal. Large temperature fluctuations are found only in the mountains or at the western winds.

POPULATION The majority of New Zealand's population is of European descent;

the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and non-Māori Polynesians. English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages, with English predominant. Much of New Zealand's culture is derived from Māori and early British settlers.

BIG CITIESRank

(population)

Urban areaPopulatio

nArea(km²)

Populationdensity(people/

km²)

1 Auckland1,397,30

01,086 1,286.6

2 Wellington 395,600 444 891.0

3Christchurch

375,900 608 618.3

4 Hamilton 209,300 877 238.7

5Napier-Hastings

125,000 375 333.3

6 Tauranga 122,200 178 686.5

7 Dunedin 118,400 255 464.3

8Palmerston North

83,300 178 468.0

9 Nelson 61,100 146 418.5

10 Rotorua 56,100 89 630.3

11New Plymouth

53,000 112 473.2

12 Whangarei 52,500 133 394.7

13 Invercargill 49,000 123 398.4

14Whanganui (Wanganui)

39,500 105 376.2

15 Gisborne 34,400 85 404.7

LANGUAGE

English is the predominant language in New Zealand, spoken by 98 percent of the population. New Zealand English is similar to Australian English and many speakers from the Northern Hemisphere are unable to tell the accents apart.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, although its constitution is not codified. Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of New Zealand and the head of state. The Queen is represented by the Governor-General, whom she appoints on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Governor-General can exercise the Crown's prerogative powers (such as reviewing cases of injustice and making appointments of Cabinet ministers, ambassadors and other key public officials) and in rare situations, the reserve powers (the power to dismiss a Prime Minister, dissolve Parliament or refuse the Royal Assent of a bill into law). The powers of the Queen and the Governor-General are limited by constitutional constraints and they cannot normally be exercised without the advice of Cabinet

CURRENCY

The New Zealand dollar ($, NZD) is the currency of New Zealand. It is divided into 100 cents.

It is normally written with the dollar sign $, or NZ$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. In the context of currency trading, it is often informally called the "Kiwi", since kiwi are commonly associated with New Zealand and the $1 coin depicts a kiwi. It is one of the 10 most-traded currencies in the world being approximately 1.6% of global foreign exchange market daily turnover in 2010.

EDUCATION

Primary and secondary schooling is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16, with the majority attending from the age of 5. There are 13 school years and attending state (public) schools are free to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents from a person's 5th birthday to the end of the calendar year following their 19th birthday. New Zealand has an adult literacy rate of 99 percent, and over half of the population aged 15 to 29 hold a tertiary qualification. There are five types of government-owned tertiary institutions: universities, colleges of education, polytechnics, specialist colleges, and wānanga, in addition to private training establishments. In the adult population 14.2 percent have a bachelor's degree or higher, 30.4 percent have some form of secondary qualification as their highest qualification and 22.4 percent have no formal qualification. The OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment ranks New Zealand's education system as the 7th best in the world, with students performing exceptionally well in reading, mathematics and science.

RELIGION

Christianity is the predominant religion in New Zealand, although its society is among the most secular in the world. In the 2006 Census, 55.6 percent of the population identified themselves as Christians, while another 34.7 percent indicated that they had no religion (up from 29.6 percent in 2001) and around 4 percent affiliated with other religions. The main Christian denominations are Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, Presbyterianism and Methodism. There are also significant numbers of Christians who identify themselves with Pentecostal, Baptist, and Latter-day Saint churches and the New Zealand-based Ratana church has adherents among Māori. According to census figures, other significant minority religions include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

RATANA CHURCH

The Rātana movement is a Māori religion and pan-tribal political movement founded by Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana in early 20th-century New Zealand.

CULTURE OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES

NEW ZEALAND

Culture

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

What are New Zealand's traditions?

•Haka- the war dance performed before rugby matches. •Hangi - meat and vegetables cooked by burying them in the ground, with a fire on top. •Mid-winter swim - People swim in the middle of winter, often dressed in silly costumes. •Pavlova - a traditional (but not Maori) dessert.

HAKA

HANGI

MID-WINTER SWIM

PAVLOVA

A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS AND TRADITIONS IN NEW ZEALAND

Social conventions and lifestyles of New Zealanders is very close to Europe. Still, very rooted beliefs and ancient Maori traditions and ringatu ratna.

In addition to the dominant Protestant (mainly Anglican and Presbyterian), there are also two churches Maori, in which the old rites are cultivated in the traditional way through music, dance and art. Maori language also gained the status of a second, in addition to English, the official language.

To popular, even today, the tradition of the indigenous people to perform tattoos on his face, called moko. Currently, they are painted, but once done it by cutting his face with a knife.

Tradition is also a sculpture, which was considered a sacred art and it can deal with only men. Works of art made of wood, such as intricately carved doors, wooden exterior of homes, and decorating their interiors are an important part of the preserved traditions of their ancestors.

Music indigenous people of the islands is very rhythmic and almost always combines well with the dance, which is based on the stylized movements of the arms and legs.

The most important is the Maori cultural center of Rotorua, which is the only Maori theater. Tourist attraction is the original village was built here, Ohinemetu. It is held in such shows the traditional way of cooking, which rises from the hot springs. The main festival is Vayu Tang, held the ritual dances and processions.

Christmas falls on New Zealand in the middle of summer. Due to the holidays they look slightly different than in Poland. Due to the hot weather New Zealanders avoid heavy dishes on the holiday table. The most popular dishes are cooked ham, chicken or turkey grilled with potatoes and salad. The meat usually cooks on the grill garden. For this mainly served the New Zealand wine or beer

NEW ZEALAND DENMARK

New Zealand's cuisine has been described as Pacific Rim, drawing inspiration from Europe, Asia and Polynesia. This blend of influences has created a mouth-watering range of flavours and food in cafes and restaurants nationwide. For dishes that have a distinctly New Zealand style, there's lamb, pork and cervena (venison), salmon, crayfish (lobster), Bluff oysters, whitebait, paua (abalone), mussels, scallops, pipis and tuatua (both are types of New Zealand shellfish), kumara (sweet potato), kiwifruit, tamarillo and pavlova, the national dessert.

FASCINATING PLACE IN NEW ZEALAND

REGLAN.Found about two hours south of Auckland, Raglan has the feel of a surf town of the 1970s. It’s also one of the best spots in New Zealand to watch the sunset.

FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARKHere in the Fiordlands you will find a place where glaciers have carved many deep fiords the most famous of which is Milford Sound. Other notable fiords located in this region include Doubtful and Dusky Sound.

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARKAnother place in New Zealand you must see is the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest National Park

QUEENSTOWNQueenstown is New Zealand’s most popular destination and regarded as New Zealand’s adventure capital. Queenstown hosts most of the countries bungy jump sites and many other outdoor activities such as shotover jet and white water rafting.

BAY OF ISLANDSThe Bay of Islands is a “must see” if you are visiting New Zealand. It's one of the places renowned for having 144 islands, with many superb beaches and secluded bays and an abundance of marine life.

MOUNT COOKThe highest Mountain in New Zealand and its most popular tourist destination. Mt Cook National Park located in the Canterbury region is another National Park that you must see.

PUNAKAIKI COAST

The beaches are violent and rocky, and the lush vegetation gives it a primal, wild sort of atmosphere.

SYMBOLS AND PATRONS OF NEW ZEALAND

COAT OF ARMS OF NEW ZEALAND

The Coat of Arms of New Zealand is regarded as the official symbol of New Zealand and was initially granted by King George V on 26th August 1911. Since 1911, the central shield has not been changed.

A recent addition to it is that the shield is supported by two women on both sides of it holding the flag of New Zealand, and a warrior of Maori tribe having a taiaha.

NATIONAL FLAG OF NEW ZEALANDThe Flag of New Zealand bears striking similarity with Union Flag. It has four red stars with a white border. The stars represent the configuration of Crux, referred to as the Southern Cross, in New Zealand.

NATIONAL ANTHEM OF NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand has two official national anthems: "God Defend New Zealand” and "God Save the Queen". Legally they have equal status, but "God Defend New Zealand" is more commonly used, and is popularly referred to as "the national anthem".

In 1976 a petition was presented to Parliament asking "God Defend New Zealand" to be made the national anthem, and, with the permission of Queen Elizabeth II, it became the country's second national anthem on equal standing with "God Save the Queen".

THE FERN

New Zealand is home to about 190 different native fern species. The most famous one is the silver fern.  It takes its name from its appearance as the bottom of the fern turns silver under the sunlight.

It is well known in New Zealand that if you get lost in a forest, you should look for the silver fern in order to alert the passing helicopters or research teams.

The fern is one of the main national symbols and is widely used here. 

It is mainly recognised overseas as the national symbol of the country ; this is especially due to its use in sport. 

The New Zealand net ball team is called The Silver Ferns and the All Blacks wear the silver fern on their rugby shirts.

THE KIWI

The Kiwi is New Zealand’s most famous bird.  It is a native bird which is now an endangered species.  It has given its name to New Zealanders, who are known as "Kiwis" all over the world.  The kiwi is therefore one of the strongest symbols. 

According to Maori beliefs the kiwi is the Hidden Bird of Tane, the Guardian of the forest.  The Kiwi is a flightless bird and is very famous for its long beak.

PATRON

New Zealand –

Mary (as Our Lady, Help of Christians)

FAMOUS NEW ZEALANDERS

Edmund Hillary - Mountain climber. First man to conquer Mt Everest with Nepalese Sherpa Tensing Norgay.

Ernest Rutherford - Physicist. Famous for splitting the atom and pioneering nuclear science, ironically New Zealand is a nuclear free zone.

Richard Pearse - First Man to 'Fly' a Mechanically Powered Aeroplane. His achievements were remarkable in that, unlike the Wright Brothers who employed skilled engineers and who later enjoyed the luxury of American Government sponsorship, Pearse designed, financed, and built everything himself

John Britten - Motorbike designer extraordinaire. He built a motor bike in his backyard shed from scratch. The result was the fastest motorbike in the world.

FAMOUS NEW ZEALANDERS

Harold Williams - Voice of the world. He is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's greatest linguist, said to have spoken over 58 languages fluently

Robert Burchfield - Dictionary Don. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as "the greatest living lexicographer„.

Keith Park - Saviour of Britain.

Alexander Aitken - The Human Computer.

Melanie Lynskey - Hollywood actress

Ian Mune - actor, director, screenwriter

Robyn Malcolm -actress

FAMOUS NEW ZEALANDERS

Katherine Mansfield - Novelist. Famous for writing books in France. She revolutionised the 20th Century English short story.

Russell Crowe - Actor. Movies include The Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind. Now lives in Australia.

Sam Neil - Actor. Movies include The Dish, Jurassic Park.

Peter Jackson - Film director. Films include King Kong and the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. The Return of the King" set an Oscar record by winning all 11 awards for which it had been nominated, including best picture of the year.

Tim and Neil Finn - Musicians. Famous for the bands, 'Split Enz' and 'Crowded House'.

Kiri Te Kanawa - Opera singer. Highlights of her career include singing at Prince Charles and Diana's royal wedding.

FAMOUS NEW ZEALANDERS Zoë Bell -- stuntwoman and actress John Clarke - actor, comedian (moved to Australia) Cliff Curtis - actor Rhys Darby - actor and comedian Tammy Davis –actor Rachel Hunter - model Billy T. James - comedian, actor

Russell Crowe - actor

Kylie Bax - model and

actress

Antonia Prebble -actress

INTERESTING FACTS A kiwi is not a fruit –

it is New Zealand’s native flightless bird and a slang term for a New Zealander. Kiwis call the fruit “kiwifruit” – they are also known as Chinese Gooseberries.

INTERESTING FACTS

New Zealand was the first major nation to have universal suffrage. In 1893 it became legal for all male and female citizens of New Zealand to vote.

New Zealand was first discovered by Europeans in 1642 when Dutch sailor Abel Tasman arrived. He left New Zealand after several of his crew were killed by Maoris, and it was not until 1769 that English Captain James Cook arrived and mapped the land.

Auckland also has the largest number of boats per capita than any other city in the world.

INTERESTING FACTS

Driving. We go the left side, as in the UK, where the order of motion

has been moved. At roundabouts give priority to the right side and at intersections equivalent - to the left. I'd better get to avoid unnecessary accidents on holiday!

Dairy farmers produce a whopping 100 kg of butter and 65 kg of cheese each year, for each person who lives in New Zealand!

While Rugby remains the most popular spectator sport in New Zealand, golf is the most popular participation sport, with more golf courses in New Zealand per capita of population, than any other country in the world.

TYPICAL SPORTS

Sport in New Zealand largely reflects its British colonial heritage, with some of the most popular sports being rugby union, cricket and netball which are primarily played in Commonwealth countries. New Zealand is a small nation but has enjoyed success in many sports, notably rugby union, rugby league, cricket ,America's Cup sailing, world championship and Olympics events and motorsport.

Other popular sports include netball, basketball, golf, tennis, rowing and a variety of water sports, particularly sailing and surf sports. Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are also popular as are indoor and outdoor bowls.

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS IN NEW ZEALAND

Churches of all religions, even though the country's religion is an important part of social life. Today New Zealanders really do not attach much importance to the issue of religion, but if you want to, you can take part in the Holy Masses. even in Polish. In Wellington there are two churches of the Polish Mass (in Berhampore and Avalon).

RELIGIOUS

Anglicans - 14.7%; Roman Catholic - 13.4%; Presbyterian - 10.6%; Methodists - 3.2%; Pentecostal - 2.5%; Christians (unspecified) - 2.4% Hindus - 1.7% Baptist - 1.5%; Buddhists - 1.4%; ratana - 1.3% Mormons - 1.2% Jehovah's Witnesses - 0.5%