New Zealand

About New Zealand New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud Welcome!

Our country New Zealand is one which you not find any equivalent in many exciting ways even in the 21st century. New Zealand goes against all the stereotypes and it is every bit an exciting, world beating leader in so many areas yet paradoxically is largely free of the tensions and strife that have come to characterize many otherwise comparable nations. Innovative, adventurous, technology leaders, sports pre-eminent , healthy outdoors pursuits -- all with an amazing backdrop you will probably not find in any other country, and what is it? They are the most courteous and respectful and easy-going nation of people you will ever meet. An anecdotal example that my own family cites: at a recent banter and exchange overseas at a store in that neighboring nation, the salesperson remarked " you must be from New Zealand", to which my sister said, "why, yes, but why do you say that?" "Because you are so polite" replied the salesperson. That basically is the reaction you too will feel if you come down here for education, travel or immigration.

Be prepared to be lightened in your burdens with the nationwide reply you will hear from store personnel to making phone inquiries to anyone here: " No worries, cheers". They mean it. New Zealanders are a very laid-back, easy-going people. We are known as Kiwis after our unique flightless long-beaked bird. From a population of only 4.3 million the majority of Kiwis are of British Isles ancestry with the minority being the indigenous Polynesian people our Maoris. English is our universal language here. Numerous other Pacific Islanders such as Samoans have come to be an embedded and cherished part of this superbly mixed culture. Each practices and preserves their very own cultural identity and heritage yet due to New Zealand's truly unique way of raising as a combined "family" in the school system, this nation succeeds like no-where else on earth as seeing no color, no separateness or inferiority as can be found in overseas nations.

You will become used to seeing harmony of mixed couples here. Aotearoa in the Maori language is translated as Land of the Long White Cloud. This is purportedly what the early Maori explorer Kupe saw when he first sighted NZ. New Zealand is approximately 2000 Kilometers south east of Australia across the Tasman sea. This is named for the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman whom was the first European to chance upon this land when he discovered it in 1642. Though he did not map its entirety, he named it after one of the the provinces in the Netherlands, Zeeland, for which we are indebted to him to this day. Captain James Cook of the British Admiralty further mapped the land comprehensively beginning in 1769 and even in this the 21st century, New Zealand is still part of the British Commonwealth. Technically the Queen of England is still its Monarch but she along with the Governor General are a fading remnant whose real authority is chiefly ceremonial today. Comprising mainly two large Islands, named the North and South Islands, think of Britain: - NZ would cover the better part of both England and Scotland combined. If you wish to enjoy New Zealand's amazing and unusual climate, you will be the recipient of its placid 'oceanic' regime. The vast surrounding south west Pacific has a moderating effect and consequently little intensification occurs to produce such storms of the caliber experienced by large land masses such as the European/Eurasian continent. Snow in most populated areas is rare and being located in the temperate zone, very few hurricanes/cyclones make it down this far south. It is an exceedingly unusual experience to enjoy December and January as the hot summer months here. From the largest city Auckland all the way north, there exists wafted upon the air 24 hours a day a delightful sweet fragrance as though one were in the Garden of Eden. It is the scent of the bright red Pohutukawa blossom that proliferates along the entire north east coast in the summer months. Due to its exceptional isolation, only bird-life developed here, all others - except for a marginal lizard, the Tuatara and a species of bat - never made it to these shores. Histories largest flying bird the massive Haast eagle and the largest flightless bird ever known, the Mighty Moa thrived here until the appearance of man around the early part of the Christian era. By 1450 AD Maori exploration had found New Zealand and displaced the earlier Moa Hunter culture that was here at least from 1000 AD. Mammals were unknown until the advent of the Polynesians, with their inevitable dogs, pigs etc. Technologically and sports-wise, New Zealand consistently surprises and outclasses the world and fields a very powerful presence in its favorite pursuits -- and this is again out of all proportion to its tiny size - all of New Zealand could fit into the population of Los Angeles. It made history in taking the Americas cup; the stunning Britten racing motorcycle that broke all records, the many running /iron-man events .. and the greatest of them of all time - climbing the highest mountain Everest, are indicative of this successful, modest nation. No nation whom fields any competitive contingent can afford to ignore the New Zealanders and indeed Kiwi talents are sought all over the world not only in racing but in its unequaled knowledge of Carbon Fiber use. The latest example is the stunning Earthrace boat( since renamed ) whom broke all records for the most fuel efficient round the world powered boat. The cup yachts, bike and boat are all carbon fiber and all beat the best the world had. New Zealand Universities fosters, builds and promotes what has become an iconic national trait - a 'can-do' savvy approach that mega countries 'attempt' to do with massive budgets. And NZ simply does it quietly and efficiently almost on a shoe-string. Kiwi's mentality is very much "outside the square/box"... that 'unique and innovative' is preferable to big. From the earliest colonial days Kiwis have had to 'invent' and 'make do' simply because we were thousands of miles away from the nearest re-supply. A New Zealand university degree has earned a deserved respected status throughout the world since it is understood the highest, rigorous standards here bestow the holder of said with pre-eminent world class qualifications second to none. And when you come here, you will note the peace, the pace, the placidity and not surprisingly the absence of any fire-arms adorning any police. There is no need in a country that has a very low crime rate, long life span where the main excitement is the latest Rugby matches where again the New Zealand All Blacks consistently win. Finally consider this nice little quaint note that this author has not seen overseas. Be prepared to take your shoes off before entering peoples homes or perhaps at rural grocery stores if your footwear is at all muddy or dirty. It is part of the culture here to remove them before entering as a sign of respect and courtesy and for this you will fit right in with the most peaceful, courteous people of any industrialized nation.