Culture of New Zealand

The culture of New Zealand is a mix of many different traditions and backgrounds. It started with the indigenous Māori people who came from Polynesia. They brought their own language and customs, which grew in a place far away from others for many years. Later, British colonists arrived in the 19th century, bringing Western culture, new religious ideas, and the English language. Over time, a new culture called Pākehā grew up, mixing British ways with local life.

Today, New Zealand has people from many places, like the Pacific Islands, East Asia, and South Asia, adding even more colors to its culture. Even though British ways still have a big influence, the Māori culture stays very important. People work hard to keep the Māori language and traditions alive as part of the country’s national identity.

The arts and creative work help New Zealand a lot. In 2022, they added about $14.9 billion to the country’s money, which is a big part of the economy. Many people work in these creative jobs, and some of them run their own businesses.

Cultural history

Polynesian explorers reached the islands between 1250 and 1300. Over time, Māori culture grew from its roots in Polynesia. They formed tribes, built strong villages, hunted, fished, and kept detailed stories passed down by word of mouth. Some Māori traveled to the Chatham Islands and created their own unique culture.

From around 1800, Europeans began arriving, bringing new ideas, technology, and the English language. In 1840, Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi to live peacefully with settlers. However, conflicts called the New Zealand Wars started in 1845, which changed life for Māori people.

European New Zealanders, also called Pākehā, kept strong ties to Britain for many years. Over time, they developed their own identity shaped by New Zealand's landscape and history. In later years, the Treaty of Waitangi became part of school lessons to help everyone understand each other better.

Today, New Zealand's culture includes influences from people all over the world, especially from the Pacific Islands, East Asia, and South Asia. Events like the Pasifika Festival in Auckland celebrate these rich traditions. Many people now simply call themselves New Zealanders or Kiwis. The country remembers important days like Waitangi Day and Anzac Day.

New Zealand European culture

Pākehā culture comes mostly from European, especially British, settlers who arrived in New Zealand in the 1800s. From 1855, more and more Europeans moved to New Zealand. The Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 helped start British rule in New Zealand. By 1852, New Zealand had its own Parliament and began to govern itself. There were some conflicts between Māori and European settlers, especially from 1863 to 1864, which led to changes in land ownership.

Until the 1950s, many Pākehā people thought of themselves as British and kept strong ties to Britain. Yet, many believed that people born in New Zealand were stronger and more adaptable than those in Britain. Life in early New Zealand was mostly rural, which gave New Zealanders a reputation for being tough and good at solving problems. Pākehā culture also valued fairness, unlike the class system in Britain. There are also smaller cultures within Pākehā from Irish, Italian, and other European backgrounds.

Starting in the 1980s, Pākehā people began to look more closely at their own unique traditions. They started to see that New Zealand had its own culture, separate from both Māori and British. This led to interest in "Kiwiana"—special items from New Zealand's past that represent iconic parts of the country, like the pōhutukawa tree, pāua-shell ash-trays, Buzzy Bee, Pineapple Lumps, gumboots, and jandals.

Māori culture

Main article: Māori culture

The Māori are the original people of New Zealand. They came from islands in the Pacific Ocean between the years 1250 and 1300 on big canoes called waka. Over many years, they created their own special ways of living and telling stories.

Important places called marae are where families and groups come together for big events. Māori culture has many beautiful traditions, like the haka, a special dance, and tā moko, a type of body art. They also have music called waiata, carving, weaving, and dancing with poi. Some things are very special and respected in their culture, known as tapu.

Other ethnic cultures

Ethnic groups in New Zealand keep parts of their own traditions, and some of these traditions have become popular with everyone. People from many places have settled in New Zealand, often in certain areas. For example, there are Dalmatian settlers in Northland, Danish settlers in inland Hawke's Bay, and Southern Chinese and Levantine settlers in Otago.

Since the middle of the 20th century, many people from different backgrounds have come to live in New Zealand. These include Dutch and central Europeans in the 1950s, Pacific Islanders starting in the 1960s, and northern Chinese, Indians, and southeast Asians since the 1980s. Each group has added something special to New Zealand's culture. For example, Chinese New Year is celebrated in places like Auckland and Dunedin, and South Auckland has strong connections to Samoan culture. The Auckland region holds festivals to celebrate its Pacific cultures, including Polyfest and Pasifika, which show traditional food, music, dance, and entertainment.

The music style called Urban Pasifika began with New Zealand's Pacific Island community and has become an important part of the country's music. The Pacific Music Awards honor Pacific Island musicians and their influence on New Zealand music. Pacific island heritage is also seen in New Zealand's art, with artists like Fatu Feu'u, Lily Laita, John Pule, Yuki Kihara, and Michel Tuffery.

Languages

Main article: Languages of New Zealand

New Zealand has three official languages. English is the main language that most people speak. The Māori language and New Zealand Sign Language are also official languages, though fewer people use them. Many other languages are spoken in New Zealand as well.

New Zealand English sounds a bit like Australian English but has some special sounds of its own. For example, some short vowel sounds are pronounced differently. The Māori language, called te reo Māori, is related to languages from places like Tahiti and the Cook Islands. Though it was used less in the past, many people now work to keep it alive. New Zealand Sign Language is used by people who are deaf and helps them communicate using hand movements and faces.

National symbols

Main article: National symbols of New Zealand

New Zealand’s national symbols come from nature, history, and Māori culture. The Southern Cross stars appear on old and modern flags, like the United Tribes’ flag from 1834 and today’s national flag of New Zealand. The silver fern plant is also a popular symbol, seen on military uniforms and sports team outfits, and some people have suggested using it on a new flag.

The kiwi, a flightless bird, has been a symbol of New Zealand since around 1900. People even call New Zealanders “Kiwis” after this bird. New Zealand also has two national anthems, “God Save the King” and “God Defend New Zealand,” which people sometimes sing together with verses in both English and Māori.

Arts

See also: Museums in New Zealand

See also: New Zealand performing arts venues

The arts in New Zealand include many different types, like visual arts, crafts, performing arts, literature, Pacific arts, and Māori arts. The government helps support the arts through groups like Creative New Zealand. There are museums and art galleries in most towns and cities, with the biggest one being Te Papa in Wellington.

Film and television also get support from the government.

Kapa haka

Kapa haka is a way for Māori people to show their culture through singing and dancing. There is a big competition called Te Matatini every two years, and smaller competitions too. Kapa haka is used at important events and by the All Blacks rugby team before games.

Visual arts

Main article: New Zealand art

When people first came to New Zealand, they brought their own art styles. Early European artists often painted landscapes and portraits of Māori people. Some Māori artists started using Western styles, and many traditional meeting houses have special paintings and designs. Over time, New Zealand artists have tried to create their own style, using both Māori traditions and Western ideas.

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of New Zealand

Māori people built wooden structures for many years, and later created more lasting buildings like storehouses and cooking houses. Today’s architecture in New Zealand is mostly European in style. Earthquakes have shaped how buildings are made, leading to more wooden structures and, after recent quakes, steel buildings in places like Wellington and Christchurch.

Performing arts

Main article: Performing arts in New Zealand

Screen

See also: Cinema of New Zealand

New Zealand has made many popular films, such as Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Boy, and The World's Fastest Indian. The country’s beautiful scenery has also attracted big international films like The Lord of the Rings and Avatar.

Stage

There are many theatre companies and festivals across New Zealand, with writers like Roger Hall and Jacob Rajan creating stories about New Zealand life.

Music

Main article: Music of New Zealand

New Zealand music includes many styles like blues, jazz, country, rock, and hip hop. Popular artists such as Lorde, Split Enz, and Crowded House have found success around the world. The country also has orchestras and many famous composers.

Comedy

Main article: New Zealand humour

New Zealand comedians have become well-known for their funny and clever jokes. Performers like Billy T James and Flight of the Conchords have made many people laugh with their unique styles.

Literature

Main article: New Zealand literature

Before Europeans arrived, Māori culture had a rich tradition of storytelling through myths, legends, poetry, songs (waiata), and prayers. Early European writers shared their experiences of exploring New Zealand with a British audience. A unique New Zealand literary style began to form in the early 1900s, often inspired by Māori traditions.

From the 1940s, New Zealand writers like Frank Sargeson, Janet Frame, and poet Allen Curnow gained recognition. Māori writers such as poet Hone Tuwhare and novelists Alan Duff and Keri Hulme also became well-known. New Zealand literature is closely linked with Pasifika literature, featuring writers like Albert Wendt.

Since the 1970s, New Zealand fiction has grown a lot. Well-known authors include Elizabeth Knox, Lloyd Jones, and Eleanor Catton. Children's authors such as Margaret Mahy and Joy Cowley have made big contributions. New Zealand also has a strong tradition of poetry, with poets like James K. Baxter and Fleur Adcock focusing on national identity, followed by others exploring personal themes.

Sports

Main article: Sport in New Zealand

Many people in New Zealand enjoy playing sports like rugby union, cricket, basketball, and netball. Children especially love association football. Other popular activities include golf, tennis, cycling, and water sports such as sailing and rowing. New Zealand is also famous for extreme sports and adventure tourism, as well as mountaineering.

The national rugby union team, called the All Blacks, is very successful and loved by many. They were the first team to win the World Cup in 1987. Other national teams often have similar names, like the basketball team, known as the Tall Blacks. Horseracing is also popular, and many people enjoy watching and supporting their local rugby teams.

Religion

Main article: Religion in New Zealand

Before Europeans arrived, the native Māori people had their own spiritual beliefs. These included the idea of tapu, which meant something was sacred or forbidden. This helped protect important things and people.

When European settlers came, many were Christian missionaries. Over time, many Māori people began to follow Christianity. Some new religious groups formed that mixed Māori traditions with Christianity, such as Pai Mārire, Ringatū, and Rātana. These groups still have followers today.

Over the years, many people of European descent in New Zealand have become less religious. Most are Christian, but there are also people who follow other religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. According to the 2013 census, nearly half of New Zealanders identified with a Christian denomination, while many others said they had no religion at all. The number of people following non-Christian religions has been growing.

Social class

Main article: Social class in New Zealand

For many years, people in New Zealand often said their country was a place without class differences. However, this idea has been questioned. Many New Zealanders value modesty and do not like it when someone talks too much about their own successes. They may feel uncomfortable with people who seem to think they are better than others, even if that person is very talented or successful.

In the 1980s and 1990s, big changes in the country's economy made class differences more noticeable. These changes affected jobs, prices, and opportunities, leading to bigger gaps between rich and poor people. Some people worry that these changes might cause problems in the future.

Travel

Main article: Overseas experience

Many people from New Zealand choose to travel or live in other countries for long periods, often called the 'OE' or 'overseas experience'. This is common for people in their 20s.

Travel to Europe is usually paid for by the traveler and often happens a few years after finishing university. The trip can last from a few months to much longer. Many New Zealanders have British roots or dual citizenship, so they can work in Britain without special restrictions.

Since 1973, New Zealanders have been able to live and work in Australia just like Australian citizens. New Zealand also has agreements with many countries that allow young people to live and work abroad for up to a year. These countries include Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.

National stereotypes

The Kiwi male

See also: Southern man and Man alone

New Zealand men are often thought of as strong and practical, with a love for animals and machines. This idea comes from the country's history as a place where people settled in the countryside. Even though most people now live in cities, many still see themselves as connected to rural life.

Some see this "strong, silent" type as part of New Zealand's past, similar to famous figures from other countries. However, this view has also been criticized, especially when it leads to risky behaviors or attitudes. Some people believe that modern sports teams could benefit from more of these traditional qualities, while others worry about the dangers it can create.

Attitudes

New Zealand has a mix of modern and traditional ideas in its society. It was the first country to let women vote and created a system to help support everyone fairly. It also respects its original people, the Māori, through important agreements. However, it also had some old rules, like closing pubs early for many years.

People in New Zealand generally trust their government and like to vote, with many people taking part in elections. They value their personal space and independence, whether they come from European or Māori backgrounds.

In recent times, New Zealand has become more home to people from many different countries, especially in big cities. This has brought more attention to how different groups get along together. There are groups that work to make sure everyone is treated fairly, no matter where they come from.

Food

Main article: New Zealand cuisine

See also: Alcohol in New Zealand

New Zealand’s food is a mix of old traditions and new ideas. The Māori people, the original inhabitants, brought foods from their homeland in Polynesia. They used sweet potatoes, called kūmara, and cooked meals in special earth ovens known as hāngī. They did not drink alcohol before Europeans arrived.

When British settlers came, they shared their foods, like pork and potatoes, with the Māori. Today, Māori cooking includes both old ways and new dishes, such as a special soup called “the boil up” and the hāngī for celebrations.

Most other New Zealanders, called Pākehā, come from British backgrounds, so their food is similar to British meals. In recent years, foods from places like China and India have become popular. Cafés and great coffee have also become a big part of everyday life in New Zealand.