Aotearoa – The Land of the Long White CloudKia-Ora – this is the traditional Maori welcome.

INTRODUCING THE COUNTRY

We have established that New Zealand is not just another part of Australia. It is also as far away from England as you can go without finding yourself on the way back again! It is 1,600 kilometres east of Australia and it consists of two major islands, the North Island and the South Island, plus a number of smaller islands, with a total land area of 270,500 square kilometres. It has a population of approximately 4 million people and 46 million sheep, that is about 12 sheep per head of population!

The islands of New Zealand have been ethnically and culturally connected to Polynesia for at least 1,000 years. Less than 200 years ago, its population and cultural heritage was wholly that of Polynesia, but now New Zealand is dominated by cultural traditions that are mainly European, emanating especially from Great Britain.

Some four-fifths of New Zealanders are of European origin, predominantly from the British Isles, but also including people from the Netherlands, former Yugoslavia, Germany and other nations. The indigenous Maori population make up the next largest group of the population, about 9.6%. The third main ethnic group is the Pacific Island Polynesians who make up about 6%.

New Zealand has a high standard of education and its qualifications are recognised internationally. Professor Marie Clay from Auckland University is well known for her remedial reading observations and recommendations.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

When you first arrive you will be enchanted by the gaily painted houses, which are mainly of wooden construction with tin roofs. You will be surprised at the spaciousness of everything, and even on a busy day on Queen Street, Auckland, you can still walk in reasonable comfort. You may notice the seemingly small selection of goods in the shops, and possibly be told, when enquiring for something, that they are waiting for the next shipment!

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES

One of the main factors in influencing me to make New Zealand my home was the fact that there are hardly any creepy crawlies here! There are no snakes or crocodiles. We do have one spider which is poisonous – the Katipo. I have never seen one although I do know that they can sometimes be found in decaying logs, so I just stay away from dead wood!

Twenty years ago there were no wasps here but there are now. We get mosquitoes, especially in the north of the North Island, and there are flies, but not in the horrendous numbers they have in Australia. Yes, we do have sharks in our waters and there have been a few attacks on swimmers.

BARE KNEES

New Zealand lifestyle is very casual. Shorts and shirts for the men and sundresses for the women are the norm during the summer. I found it strange to see butchers wearing shorts, knee socks and an apron! When I went to see the doctor, I had to try not to smile when he came around from his desk as he too was wearing shorts!

Questions And Answers

Does the water really go down the plughole in the opposite direction?

Yes, it does, all due to the earth’s rotation and the fact that New Zealand is in the Antipodes.

Is sheep the only meat available in New Zealand?

No, even though sheep do outnumber people 12 to 1!

Is New Zealand sub-tropical?

In the north of the North Island it is.

Do the women wear grass skirts?

Definitely no! The women are very fashion conscious.

Has New Zealand ever been a penal colony?

No, but we have our fair share of criminals.

Do the trees grow twice as fast as anywhere else?

Yes, certain species do, because the growth doesn’t stop during the winter.