Culture

“Number 8 Fencing Wire” Mentality

New Zealanders, also known as Kiwi’s, have always been far away from the outer world. This caused New Zealand’s “Number 8 Fencing Wire” mentality. The explanation is that whatever you will give a Kiwi they will be able to fix it, from a broken tractor to an electric wire. Nowadays the world becomes a “Global Village”, but still the “Number 8 Fencing Wire” mentality exists. This mentality can be seen in their business, cuisine, arts, etc.

Proud Kiwi’s

Kiwi’s tend to be insecure. They are less likely than the Australians to wave their flag; to express nationalistic feelings. This makes them subtle and interesting. But maybe they are currently becoming more confident. New Zealanders were always great travellers. Nowadays they still are, but tend to be more focussed on their own country and culture as well. They look at other cultures but only implement the best of breed in New Zealand; they start to get choosy: proud.

Religion

Considering New Zealand's background, it isn't surprising the countries main church is the Anglican-Protestant. This Church has around the 630.000 adherents. The Catholic Church has approximately 470.000. The above mentioned numbers are in decline. From 1998’s survey was concluded 33% of the population is certain of the existence of a God. It is also believed that more than 25% of the Kiwi’s has not a religion which they feel themselves connected with. In contradiction to the denominations above the Pentecostal Church is growing in New Zealand. A mixture between Christianity and Maori spirituality is also present in the country. Immigration brought other believes, although Islam and Hinduism count for less than 1% of the population.

Social Glue

The social glue of the New Zealanders will in the future probably be the land. As the ethnic diversity will increase the identity of the culture will as well. The land, which is beautiful, varied, moody and impressive, will be the “thing” the New Zealanders belong to; the social glue.

Sport and Outdoor Activities

Sport and Outdoor activities are an essential part of the daily life of many New Zealanders. Rugby is sometimes referred to as a national obsession. “All Blacks” is the national team. The “All Blacks“ wear the New Zealand’s silver fern on their shirts. If you like rugby a lot, then pay a visit to the website of the "All Blacks": http://www.allblacks.com. The silver fern is a symbol of national pride and is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s culture. Also sailing is a sport practiced by many New Zealanders, mostly on the northern island. Golf, cricket, tramping (trekking, walking), Fishing, Surfing, mountainbiking, bungee jumping etc. are all very popular sports, Outdoor activities. Kiwi’s always want to be the best. This might be the best explanation for why many challenging- and duration sports their origin lie in New Zealand.

“Indoor” Activities

“Indoor” activities tend to gain popularity. Reading is the most popular cultural activity randomly followed up by listening music, watching movies, going to the theatre, museum, arts centre and going to a Maori Marae (Maori meeting house; this is a secret space). Wellington’s citizens are the most cultural active New Zealanders. There are besides sportsmen also many artists in New Zealand. For example the film industry is flourishing, together with the visual arts industry.

External Resources

Additional information about culture is provided on the following websites: http://www.mch.govt.nz; http://en.wikipedia.org.