New Zealand Geography

New Zealand Culture

Culture from New Zealand is very different from the one we present, except for one impressive thing, the Maoris and the Easter Island people. The Maoris present really similar dances and language compared to the Easter's, in fact, 75% of the language is actually the same (according to host family). Leaving those aside, the New Zealand culture is very respectful for everything, You can't see any graffitis on the streets, everyone, and even the lower class people have good education. In other words, it is a cleaner place. As another fact, this culture was inherited from the British Culture in many aspects such as language. One of their national anthems is the Great Britain's "God Save The Queen" (they have two different national anthems of equal status, being the other one "God Defend New Zealand"), other small cultural aspects, and even left-handed driving (as my family calls it). In terms of sports Rugby is the most played sport along with Cricket. The New Zealand Maori dance, called Haka, is a visual representation of how the Maori's prepared for fights, it is nowadays performed in several events and most recognized from, rugby matches played by their national team, the All Blacks.

What is it like to be a New Zealander?

Being a new zealander doesn't differ much from a Chilean's life, this is a broad topic but I'll center it on a student's life. I've come across some differences during this 3 weeks but mainly lived the same way as always. During the week in order to get to school I need an hour to get ready, which is basically the same. What changes is how I get to school though, in New Zealand mostly every student catches the school bus in order to get to school, school starts at 8:30. Once in school, each student has their own schedule, so they are able to have classes with higher grades by just asking. Throughout the day people move through normal classes, taught just the same way as in Chile, until they go home (time depends on the school you are in). New Zealanders like to do outdoor and indoor activities such as going to the cinema or playing Rugby. Teenagers mostly play Rugby in New Zealand, being the most popular sport followed by Cricket, a sport that's similar to baseball. Even though other sports such as football or tennis aren't very popular, they are stilled played but by less people.