Official name of country: New Zealand/Aotearoa
Population: 4.3 million
Capital City: Wellington
Time Difference: New Zealand is +12 GMT, so it is 16 hours ahead of the east coast and 19 hours ahead of the west coast.
National Anthem: “God Defend New Zealand”
National Animal: Kiwi (bird)
National Currency: New Zealand Dollar
National Sport: Rugby (unofficial)
Demography: While in New Zealand you will meet a variety of locals from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Although it has a relatively small population, New Zealand has a large percentage of foreign-born citizens. The largest group of people in the country claim European decent, mainly from Britain and Ireland. The Maori make up the second largest group in New Zealand and their unique language is the second official language on the islands. Asians are the third significant group in the country and their population is rapidly growing. Groups from various Pacific Islands also share a presence in New Zealand. This varied demography creates a rich blended culture.
Geography: In the heart of the South Pacific Ocean you will find the North and South Islands that make up New Zealand. The South Island is the larger of the two and contains the Southern Alps mountain range, forests, and fjords. The North Island is less mountainous but it is home to many volcanoes and thermal areas. Its location in the Southern Hemisphere creates seasons that are opposite of those we are used to in the US. The warm summer months are December to February and the cooler winter occurs from June to August. The maritime climate keeps temperatures fairly mild, but the weather can change rapidly so it’s best to always have a light jacket handy!
Famous People: Edmund Hillary (first man to conquer Mt Everest), Keisha Castle-Hughes (actress), Peter Jackson (director), Flight of the Conchords (comedic and musical duo), and Katherine Mansfield (novelist).
Great Movies: The Piano; Once Were Warriors; Heavenly Creatures; The World’s Fastest Indian; Black Sheep; Last of the Living; The Strength of Water.