Relocating to a new country is not a small decision; Ambler Collins aims to provide you with the most up-to-date and reliable information on important aspects
of life in the country your interested in moving to. Please see the menu below for more information on life in New Zealand.
Life and culture in Australia
New Zealand is a relatively young and exciting country. This in turn gives the lifestyle and culture there a
notable vibrancy. Being thinly populated, with 25% of the population living in the biggest city Auckland, the
open and expansive nature of the landscape has a distinct influence on the lifestyle New Zealanders lead, with
outdoor adventure and activities being countrywide passions. The cultural mix of European, Maori, Pacific Island
and Asian cultures give rise to a melting pot community, and social equality is firmly believed in, with the
difference between low income and high income New Zealanders relatively small. Class structures and the elite
societies of European countries are largely non-existent.
Food:
Food and cuisine in NZ is of a high standard due to the abundance of seafood and the rich cultural mix. Fresh fish
and shellfish are traditionally fares for both Maori and European New Zealanders with lamb being the most
traditional meat dish. The tastes of New Zealanders have become increasingly more cosmopolitan and in all cities
you will find a very wide array of quality international, especially Asian and European restaurants, NZ also enjoys
a surprisingly wide variety of food products available which from all over the world. BBQs are commonplace in the
summer, and dinner is main meal of the day.
Sport:
Sport plays an important role in NZ life, with sporting activities of almost any description being affordable and
accessible. Rugby is the national passion and All Blacks game will see the country come to an almost standstill.
Cricket in the summers and netball for females are also widely popular. Other sports which are popular and New
Zealanders excel at are often linked to the outdoor nature of society, including sailing, mountain climbing, rowing,
equestrian, triathlon, and skiing.
Arts and Culture:
Culture and art of all descriptions thrive in New Zealand. Art is evident in all cities and areas of New Zealand,
however increasingly Wellington has become the centre for creative and artistic Tradition Maori culture and art is
still very visible, Te Reo Maori, the Maori language is taught at all public elementary schools and Maori language TV, Radio and literature are widely available. Literature and visual art have played important roles in the developing of New Zealand’s national identity, with notable writers including Katherine Mansfield, Maurice Gee, and Witi Ihimaera; notable artists including Ralph Hotere, Colin McCahon, and Rita Angus. New Zealand Music and film have more recently become internationally acclaimed although the independent scenes of both have been thriving and continue to in NZ for a number of years. Notable musicians include Neil Finns Crowded House, Fat Freddy’s Drop and musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, acclaimed
NZ films include The Piano by Jane Campion, Whale Rider by Niki Caro, and Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Media:
TV – Free-to-air: TV1, 2, 6, 7, sports extra (TVNZ) TV3, C4 (music), Prime. Pay TV- Sky.
Major Newspapers: NZ Herald (Auckland), The Dominion Post (Wellington) The Press (Christchurch), Otago Daily Times
(Dunedin). Weekly – The Sunday Star Times.
Radio: State funded – Radio New Zealand Concert/National, Bnet student network. There are also a significant amount
of commercial stations.
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