Culture Smart! New Zealand offers insights into a country that is reflecting on its identity, having shed its colonial past and now moving from a bicultural society (Maori and European) toward a new multiculturalism. Despite the challenges ahead, New Zealand society is resilient, underpinned by the values of anti-materialism, tolerance, patience, and commonsense, and driven by a shared passion about being a Kiwi. Not by chance was New Zealand chosen to represent Tolkien’s ancient Middle-Earth in the film trilogy The Lord of the Rings. New Zealand is remote, and even sometimes inadvertently left off world maps. This remoteness might be one of its greatest assets. It is off the beaten track, with a wilderness of World Heritage national parks to explore—embracing ice-carved fiords, lakes, valleys, and towering mountains; lush lowland forests and limestone canyons. Set against this stunning background are the New Zealanders, who, not surprisingly, are passionate about their country and the quality of life it offers. Kiwis, as they are affectionately known, are friendly, helpful, and fiercely equalitarian. All great companions for enjoying the prowess of the All Blacks rugby team in action!
Author(s): Ljiljana Ortolja-Baird
Series: Culture Smart!
Edition: 2
Publisher: Kuperard
Year: 2017
Language: English
Pages: 169
Front Cover......Page 1
Title Page......Page 2
Copyright......Page 3
About the Authors......Page 4
Contents......Page 5
Map of New Zealand......Page 8
Introduction......Page 9
Key Facts......Page 11
Chapter 1: Land and People......Page 13
• Climate......Page 17
• A Nation of Islanders......Page 20
• A Brief History......Page 22
• The Economy......Page 36
• Government and Politics......Page 40
• Major Cities and Some Areas of Interest......Page 45
• National Pride......Page 49
• On Being Equal and PC......Page 53
• Religion......Page 56
• Humor......Page 58
• Attitudes toward Women......Page 60
• Attitudes toward Maori......Page 61
• Public Holidays......Page 63
• British Legacy......Page 64
• Rivalry and Relations with Australia......Page 71
• Maori Culture......Page 74
• Home Is Not Always Where the Heart Is......Page 83
• Education......Page 91
• Shops and Banks......Page 96
• Television and Other Media......Page 98
• Becoming a Kiwi......Page 100
• Food and Drink......Page 103
• Eating Out......Page 110
• Invitations Home......Page 114
• Shopping......Page 115
• Cultural Pursuits......Page 116
• Sports......Page 119
• Major Events......Page 126
• Taking a Break......Page 127
• Arriving and Departing......Page 129
• Getting Around......Page 132
• Facilities for the Disabled......Page 138
• Where to Stay......Page 139
• Health and Safety......Page 140
• Crime......Page 143
• General Attitude to Business......Page 145
• The Kiwi Workplace......Page 146
• Legislation......Page 148
• Working in New Zealand......Page 149
• Making Appointments......Page 150
• Presentations......Page 151
• Negotiating......Page 152
• Resolving Disputes......Page 154
• Understanding the “Lingo”......Page 155
• Kiwi Communications Styles......Page 158
• Mail Services......Page 161
• Modern Technology......Page 163
• Conclusion......Page 164
Further Reading......Page 166
Index......Page 167
