Cultural Activities

New Zealand's multi-cultural society of today is a result of migration from all parts of the world, beginning with the Maori from the Pacific and, later, the Britishers in the 18th century.

Hospitable Hosts

New Zealanders are famous for their warm hospitality to overseas visitors. We call ourselves "Kiwis". We're friendly, welcoming, enjoy meeting people from other cultures and love sharing food and conversation. In daily life, we're quite informal. First names are used, even in business.

Two Founding Languages and Cultures

Kiwi culture has also absorbed some of the rich elements contributed by people from the Pacific Islands and Asia who settled here, so that weekend markets with Asian and Polynesian food are common.

English and Maori are the official languages, but New Zealanders come from many ethnic backgrounds, including European and African. Multi-cultural influences are evident in "Kiwi" fashion, art and music.

Harmonious Co-existence

The various communities live in relative social harmony, with equal rights for all. Discrimination based on gender, race or disability is prohibited by law. The Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Race Relations Conciliator investigate complaints under the Human Rights Act. If anybody makes you feel uncomfortable, talk immediately to the staff at your institution. They are committed to providing a safe environment for you and trained to deal with any problems.

Freedom to be Yourself

Sexual harassment and gender discrimination are unlawful and unacceptable in New Zealand either at workplaces or education institutes. Even job advertisements must be neutrally worded since there is equality of the sexes.

Outdoors

A feature of the New Zealand way of life is indoor/outdoor living. Individual houses usually have a backyard and sometimes a barbecue area. Picnics with your host family at the weekend are likely to involve walks in the bush or on a beach, berry-picking, cycling, or visiting gardens; you'll need outdoor footwear and a sunhat. See Climate

The Ministry also funds the Performing Arts Society, the Broadcasting Standards Authority, the Film Archive and Film Commission, the Historic Places Trust, the Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the national museum.