Meet New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island), and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation: it is situated about 1,200 miles southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea. Its population is about 4.2 million people. New Zealand is a developed country that ranks highly in international comparisons on many topics including education, economic freedom and lack of corruption. Its cities also consistently rank among the world's most liveable.

There are nearly four million residents in New Zealand, and the majority of people live in cities with only about 15% located in rural areas. Most New Zealanders are of European descent and all speak English. The Maori, the country’s original inhabitants, comprise 14% of the population and most of New Zealand’s unique qualities originate from their culture.  

English and Maori are the official languages of New Zealand. The native language of New Zealand’s indigenous people is Maori, and although it is not commonly spoken as a first language, it can be seen and heard every day in place names, on the radio, on television and increasingly in schools and kindergartens.

Traditional Food

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  Hangi

  Hangi refers to the traditional method of cooking of the Maori people: in a pit in the ground. Stones are heated in flames, and once the stones are hot enough, the fire is extinguished and the food, wrapped in cabbage or watercress to prevent burning, is lowered onto the hot rocks. Soil fills in the remainder of the pit and is left for 3 hours for the food to cook and maintain heat and moisture.