New Zealand is a unique blend of cultures.  In fact, travel to New Zealand will expose you to a Pacific Rim melting pot that is virtually unlike any other country on earth.  A merging of indigenous Maori culture, European and Pacific immigration has created a culture known for natural beauty, artisans, rough-and-tumble rugby players and world renowned craftsmen, like those who make New Zealand Sheepskin products.

The predominate immigration influences were created by infusing English and Irish people onto the New Zealand mainland.  After World War II, New Zealand experienced a dramatic increase in Pacific Rim immigration; the mixture of these three or four cultures has produced one of the most interesting places on earth.

The native culture (Maori) is committed to the natural beauty of the country and equally dedicated to appreciating what the natural world has to offer.  Outdoor sports are emphasized and many of these people make their livings off the land.  The laid back Maori culture would seem to clash with modern day European influences but those have created their own niche in the country’s social folklore.

Cultural Identity and Reputation

Those cultures are best known for the three “R”:  Rowdy, Rugby and beer.  This reputation was created during World War II when New Zealand soldiers made a name for themselves by socializing more than your average soldier.  Their reputation has created a culture whose identity is heavily weighted in favor of drinking, horse racing, gambling, rugby and generally, the stereotypes of “men’s men” with a healthy appreciation for the natural beauty of their fellow New Zealand females.

Outdoor sports contribute heavily to the perspective of the average New Zealander, with an equally strong preference for participating in the sports as opposed to merely being a spectator.  This has served to bolster the image of the rugged New Zealander, perhaps beyond what is fair, but it is accurate on the whole.  None of the various populations are known for shyness or for being terribly uptight.

An acceptance of ‘what is’ is a hallmark of the New Zealand Culture.  “She’ll be right mate” is a popular phrase used that is often taken as a sign of carelessness or lack of thought.  In actuality, this is firmly entrenched in the belief that everything has a purpose and will work out as it is intended in the end.

The Importance of Earth and Perspective

Many New Zealanders make their living off the land so the visitor can also expect them to be more rugged in the countryside than in the cities, but overall, its countrymen/women are all built of healthy and sturdy stock.  The combination of a rough-and-tumble attitude and an acceptance of life as simply being has led to a merging of native and immigration cultures and a collaboration among all involved to preserve the national reputation for fun.  Another factor that greatly influences each groups approach is an almost reverent appreciation for the land and its beauty.

That appreciation flavors just about every New Zealander’s approach to life.  It does make them a little more boisterous than most of us.  One should not be weary or easily offended if visiting this gem of a nation, but rather should adopt the prevalent attitude that what happens will happen.