Culture

Despite this, Maori are an integral element of modern NZ society. With the exception of a few issue-specific rallies, the racial friction that does exist often remains hidden. As a guest, you'll likely encounter nothing and leave New Zealand with the sense of a culture that is generally tolerant.

Asians now make up about 7% of the population countrywide (about half that of Maori), thanks to immigration from Asia in recent years, primarily from China, Korea, and the Indian subcontinent. However, this percentage increases to over 18% in the Auckland region, suggesting that tri-culturalism in some form may one day be practiced there.

Despite this mixture, the archetypal Kiwi personality is anchored in the desire to improve one's lot in a strange and occasionally inhospitable land. As they perceive the NZ identity to be rooted in self-reliance, resourcefulness, and bravery, tempered by a certain self-deprecating humor, New Zealanders are excessively fond of tales of intrepid small Kiwis succeeding in the face of huge difficulties. "Tall poppies" who work too hard are frequently cut down.

The nation consistently outperformed its peers in international competition, particularly in the sport of rugby, which is a big love in this nation. Despite having a reputation for having a rugby-playing, beer-drinking, predominantly male culture, Kiwis like to point out that their society is open-minded and egalitarian, with hot-button issues like women's suffrage and nuclear-free waters, as well as generally liberal social attitudes. Other hot-button issues include genetic engineering and Japanese whaling.

The relationship between New Zealand and its larger neighbor, Australia, provides nonstop entertainment on both sides of "the ditch" (the Tasman Sea). Kiwis and Australians are similar to siblings in that they have frequent disagreements (most of which are harmless jabs), especially in sports, but they are also the first to defend one another in a variety of situations, including bar fights and armed conflicts.