New Zealand Culture & Society
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New Zealand's culture is rich and diverse due to the blending of European and Polynesian peoples.
The influence of Maori, Pacific Island, European and Asian cultures make New Zealand a colourful and vibrant place with many different customs. While the Maori are recognised as the native people of New Zealand, a second group of less known native people called the Moriori exist today in New Zealand's Chatham Islands.
New Zealand has a rich history and is recognised around the world for things like bungy jumping, rugby, kiwifruit, sheep and our beautiful scenery. The national icon is the Kiwi bird; which is also a popular term meaning a New Zealander. Kiwis love sports such as rugby and yachting, the great outdoors, coffee, and the arts.
For a small country, Kiwis have a big attitude and believe that they can can achieve anything and love a challenge to prove it. That "can do" attitude has seen New Zealanders excel in many areas. Famous New Zealanders include Sir Edmund Hillary and Ernest Rutherford.
New Zealand has a group of icons or a range of objects that help define what it is to be Kiwi. These things are known as Kiwiana.
Author & photographer: David Johnson (Virtual New Zealand). Providing a credit or link is appreciated.
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