Culture Shock in New Zealand
Despite its isolated state, expats from America or Europe won't experience an out-of-the-ordinary degree of culture shock in New Zealand. The nation embraces a Western culture, and local people have a reputation for friendliness.
That being said, it will still take many years – if at all – before one is considered a Kiwi (a colloquialism for a New Zealander). Local people tend to be informal and egalitarian. A spirit of neighbourliness and helping each other out exists among members of most communities.
Sport is a centrepiece of culture in New Zealand. The national sport is rugby, and the national team the mighty All Blacks. There is also a full range of other outdoor sport, that revolves around the splendid natural environment.
By European standards, New Zealand is incredibly sparsely populated. The sense of space that this brings may take some getting used to, although for most expats, it is very enjoyable to have a beach or golf course all to oneself. The best advice for adapting to the quirks of New Zealand’s culture is to adopt a friendly, open attitude, and a good sense of humour.
That being said, it will still take many years – if at all – before one is considered a Kiwi (a colloquialism for a New Zealander). Local people tend to be informal and egalitarian. A spirit of neighbourliness and helping each other out exists among members of most communities.
Sport is a centrepiece of culture in New Zealand. The national sport is rugby, and the national team the mighty All Blacks. There is also a full range of other outdoor sport, that revolves around the splendid natural environment.
By European standards, New Zealand is incredibly sparsely populated. The sense of space that this brings may take some getting used to, although for most expats, it is very enjoyable to have a beach or golf course all to oneself. The best advice for adapting to the quirks of New Zealand’s culture is to adopt a friendly, open attitude, and a good sense of humour.
