New Zealand
A World Apart
Facts About New Zealand
Parliament
Maori Carving
Fishing
Rugby
Capital City
The Capital of New Zealand is Wellington, which is a city on the south coast of the North Island. The city is situated on 3 earth quake fault lines, which makes it one of the most earthquake prone city's in the world, however it also means the city is one of the biggest investers in earthquake research. Most buildings have seismic isolators in the foundations which means that the building moves with the ground during a quake, preventing structural damage.
Population
The population of New Zealand is 4 million people, nearly 1 million of them live in Auckland making it the most densly populated city in the world per head of population.
The Weather
The weather ranges from what could be described as sub tropical in the far north island, to near arctic conditions in the far south island. The country enjoys hot humid summers especially in the far north and the south endures cold icy winters.
Currency
The currency of New Zealand is the NZ Dollar. At present £1 = $3.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated in New Zealand however it is very different to christmas in the UK. The first major difference is that December 25th falls in the middle of New Zealand summer time so a temperature of 30 degrees on christmas day is not uncommon. New Zealand never has never seen a white christmas, so many New Zealanders celebrate mid winter chirtsmas in July.
Schools
The New Zealand School system is very similar to the English way of schooling. Everyone starts school at about the age of 4, and progresses through Infant, Primary and Middle and High School. Most people leave school at 18 and then go onto higher education in one of New Zealands University's.
Volcanoes
The New Zealand landscape has been shaped over the years by many volcanic erruptions. There are active volcanoes in both the north and south island, the last major errupion being only 200 years ago.
Religion
Many religions co exist within New Zealand. Many of the imigrants, who migrated during the 50's and 60's are still strong christians however within the Maori culture the people believe in the powers of there ancestors. Previous people who still watch over them guiding them through life. As a result of this the most respected people are the elders or older people of a tribe. Many special ceromonies take place, to mark different events such as funerals and marriages. A maori can return to his or her tribe at any time throughout his or her life and will alwsys be given food and shelter, welcomed as one of the Whanau or family.
Government
Since the signing of the Treamy of Waitangi in 1886, New Zealand has been a independant democratic country within the Commonwealth. This means that the Queen of England reigns over New Zealand however the Brittish Government no longer has a say in how the country is ran. The government meets in the Beehive Parliament Buildings in Welington and there is a genreal election once every four years, in which all New Zealanders over the age of 18 are entitled to a vote.