Culture and demographics of New Zealand

Culture in New Zealand is a combination of indigenous and foreign cultures. The country's first occupants brought Polynesian traditions and language with them, and throughout centuries of seclusion, they established their own M?ori and Moriori civilizations.  In the nineteenth century, British immigrants introduced the Western culture and profoundly impacted the residents, spreading their religious traditions and the English language. M?ori culture also impacted the colonists, and a unique Pkeh or New Zealand European culture formed. Newer immigrants from the Pacific, East Asia, and South Asia have also contributed to the cultural melting pot. 

Further ahead, learn more about the social demographics, history, tradition, and culture in New Zealand. 

History and Culture in New Zealand 

History

New Zealand has a comparatively brief history when compared to other Polynesian countries. Original settlers, known as Moriori, are said to have claimed the islands off the coast around 950 AD while M?ori was settling on the mainland. Abel Tasman, a Dutch adventurer, was the first European to arrive in 1642. The M?ori repulsed him, and the following European generation did not arrive for another 100 years. In 1769, a British adventurer named Captain James Cook landed in New Zealand. They established a commercial and whaling base, with European traders and missionaries living along the coast. They did not coexist quietly and shed much blood throughout this period.  

The M?ori spears were no match for the Europeans' muskets, resulting in the so-called Musket Wars in 1820, which killed numerous tribespeople. The M?ori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the British in 1840, which may be seen in the National Archives in Wellington. The pact was designed to grant M?ori land ownership, rights, and protection under the British Crown. However, the British misinterpreted this to grant them dominion over New Zealand, which may have been lost in translation.  Even now, there is considerable disagreement regarding what the pact accomplished and signified. Nonetheless, it is regarded as New Zealand's foundational document and is commemorated on Waitangi Day. New Zealand is still a member of the British Commonwealth, but it is now a parliamentary democracy with the British monarch as the constitutional head. 

Under British rule, the M?ori culture suffered and was marginalized. Many M?ori leaders also realized that not being able to speak English was detrimental as all Parliament proceedings were in English. During this time, the number of native M?ori speakers significantly dwindled, and children were not taught M?ori at home. By the 1980s, it became critically precise that the M?ori language was on the verge of extinction and the tribal heads implemented an impressive language recovery program. Today, M?ori is thriving, and many countries are using the recovery of M?ori as a successful model. 

Culture in New Zealand

The M?ori and M?ori, New Zealand's indigenous occupants, continue to play an essential role in the culture of New Zealand today. M?ori makes up fewer than 15% of New Zealand's population today, although their numbers are expanding faster than the rest of the island's. Europeans, mainly the British, who account for 69 percent of the country's population, have profoundly affected New Zealand's culture. The colonialists substantially affected New Zealand culture and repressed much of it in the early nineteenth century. It has only been in the last decade or two that M?ori customs and language have been recognized and reintroduced. Movies like The Whale Rider and the worldwide success of New Zealand's rugby team, the All Blacks, have helped promote M?ori heritage globally. 

Since the 1950s, P?keh? culture has come, inculcating some aspects of M?ori Culture. Auckland has a diverse culture from the Europeans, Asians, M?ori, Pacific Islanders, Middle Eastern, Latin Americans, and Africans. They have considerable interest and investments in areas of Arts and often provide grants for theatre, music, modern dance, ballet, opera, and literature. In some areas, they also celebrate the Chinese lantern festival, the lunar year, and Hindu Diwali. New Zealand has numerous public holidays, including ANZAC day, New Year's Day, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Queen's birthday, Labor Day, Christmas Day, and boxing day. 

People, Language, and Tradition in New Zealand 

The M?ori people were New Zealand's original residents, and their culture remains fundamental to the country's identity. Because of their deep connection and traditional relationship with the land, the M?ori people, known as 'Tangata Whenua (people of the land),' are recognized by New Zealand legislation. Since the 1850s, the M?ori community has been overgrown, and their presence, history, and culture have been increasingly visible in New Zealand. 

As a former British colony, English is the primary language of New Zealand, with 98 percent of the people speaking it. M?ori, spoken by the indigenous Mori people, is also an official language. New Zealanders, or 'kiwis' as they are often called, have their slang language, so you'll quickly learn terms like 'brekkie' (breakfast), 'cheers' (thanks), and 'g'day' (hello). 

Social Demography 

The total population of New Zealand, as per the latest reports, is 5,135,720, and the life expectancy for males is 79.9 years and for females 83.4 years. Around 83.9 percent of the population lives in Urban areas. New Zealand is well-known for its ethnic diversity. The most populous cities are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Manukau City, Waitakere, and North Shore. The common culture in New Zealand is abided by all based on Principles of equality and classlessness. 

New Zealand demographics include the gender, racial, religious, geographic, and economic backgrounds of the country's 5 million residents. New Zealanders, often known as "Kiwis," dwell mostly in metropolitan areas on the North Island. The five major cities are Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton, and Tauranga. English, Mori, and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages. Auckland has the most ethnically diverse population in New Zealand.

Christians account for 37% of the population, with Hinduism and Buddhism accounting for most minority religions. Almost half of the population (48.5 percent) is atheist. Most New Zealanders receive a wage or salary, with a median personal income of NZ$28,500. According to the 2018 census, the bulk of New Zealand's population (70 percent) is of European heritage, with the indigenous M?ori being the most significant minority (16.5 percent), followed by Asians (15.3%) and non-M?ori Pacific Islanders known collectively as Pasifika (9.0 percent).  

This is reflected in immigration, with most new migrants coming from the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, numbers from Asia, in particular, are growing. Auckland is New Zealand's most ethnically diverse region, with 53.5 percent identifying as Europeans, 28.2 percent as Asian, 11.5 percent as Mori, 15.5 percent as Pacific Islanders, and 2.3 percent as Middle Eastern, Latin American, or African (MELAA). Compared to the overall population diversity, the population under 18 is significantly more ethnically diverse. 

Migration and Economy in New Zealand 

Before 1840, the majority of New Zealand's immigrants came from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. After WWII, restrictive regulations on non-European immigration were lifted. The New Zealand Immigration Service established a target of 45,000 migrants (+ 5,000 tolerance) year 2008-09. In 2013, over 32% of overseas-born New Zealand residents were born in Asia, while 26% were born in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Immigration New Zealand assesses skilled migrants and issues a residency visa to those they feel will contribute. Before working in some occupations, migrant workers must be registered with the proper professional body. Applicants searching for work in areas with a long-term talent shortage or who want to start a business can apply for residency.