The Culture of New Zealand

When early settlers brought from Polynesia brought their customs and language to New Zealand, they have come to develop their own Māori and Moriori cultures. The occupation of the British also influenced many of the indigenous habitants’ traditions including religious practices and the English language.

The Māori culture of the Māori and Eastern Polynesian people forms a distinctive part of New Zealand’s culture. Important Māori ethnic events and activities include the hui (meeting), haka (action chant), kapa haka (haka groups), and koha (gifts to the hosts). Pākehā culture comes mostly from early British settlers in the 19th century. It has higher levels of egalitarianism and anti-intellectualism. Pākehā pop culture is also very evident and frequently valued.

The 3 official languages of New Zealand are New Zealand English, Te Reo Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language. The country’s music is quite similar to “Western” countries. Humorous and less violent hip-hop music are big waves to young Māori and Pacific Islanders. Majority of the population are Christians under the following denominations – Anglican, Catholic, and Presbyterian. Non-Christian religions include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

National stereotypes seem to fit many of the New Zealanders male and female population. For the kiwi male, the “kiwi ingenuity”, “hard man”, and “rugby, racing and beer” have become the national stereotypes. Kiwi female stereotypes are not as strong compare with their male counterparts but still surround New Zealand women, it includes “independence” and “lack of femininity”.