- The Moari Culture Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Originally from Polynesia, Maori migrated to New Zealand over 1000 years ago. Today, Maori make up 14% of the total population of New Zealand. The Maori language (te ro) is spoken throughout Ne
w Zealand and the vast majority of place names are of Maori origin. As Maori are a tribal Polynesian people, they have a unique protocol which should be observed on a marae (which, as well as being a community centre, is a religious site). There are many tourist operators in New Zealand, particularly in Rotorua and Tauranga, who can organize marae visits. The important things to remember when visiting a marae are to take off your shoes before entering a meeting house and greeting your hosts with a hongi – a traditional Maori welcome where you press noses to signify friendship. Visitors to marae are often welcomed with a powhiri (formal welcome) and a wero (challenge). Many places in New Zealand have significant historical and spiritual value and are sacred to Maori. Visitors are urged to recognize the cultural significance of these places and treat them with respect. If you would like more information about Maori culture, visit the following website: http://www.maori.org.nz/ - The New Zealand Arts New Zealand does possess the usual cultural activities such as theatre, dance, fine arts, classical and popular music and creative writing. However, due to the small populati
on base and a lack of arts funding sources, many artists have struggled to sustain themselves economically, even though they may achieve popular success. For this reason many of New Zealand's best artists go overseas, especially to Australia, but also to Europe or America, so they can further their careers. New Zealand imports much of its cultural material from overseas, particularly from Britain or the United States. Most successful Hollywood films screen on New Zealand cinema screens and New Zealand Televison shows a lot of British and American television programmes. It is somewhat ironic that some of these programmes are now made in New Zealand but receive their first screening elsewhere. The New Zealand cinematographic industry is becoming one of the country's major export enterprises, with several major motion pictures being filmed on New Zealand locations recently, including the highly acclaimed film adaptation of Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" directed by the Kiwi Peter Jackson. There are museums in many towns and cities that preserve the country's heritage. Some museums specialize in particular themes, such as vintage transport, Maori culture or a particular historic building or event. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage are national bodies that assist with such heritage preservation. - Kiwiana 'Kiwiana' (pronounced: Kee-wee-ahh-na) is the term used to describe items rela
ting toNew Zealand’s unique culture and history. Some notable items of Kiwiana you will probably encounter on your trip to New Zealand are as follows: The Kiwi Bird, Kiwifruit, Silver Fern, Buzzy Bee, Rugby, Black, Paua Shell, Pohutukawa, Jandals, Lemon and Paeroa, as well as Fish and Chips.
- Politics New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy. The Queen of England (Queen Elizabeth II) is the reigning monarch and Head of State. Her representative in New Zealand is the Governor General – Anand Satyanand. New Zealand’s government is modelled on the British system. New Zealand’s Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) parliamentary system means that political parties occupy a proportion of the seats in Parliament (Cabinet). In this system, the party (or coalition) with the most seats holds power. Currently a National-led coalition – led by Prime Minister John Key– holds power in New Zealand.
No comments:
New comments are not allowed.