Culture Shock in New Zealand
New Zealand has a western culture with much in common with Europe and America. Local people have a reputation for friendliness but it will still take many years – if at all – before one is considered a Kiwi. 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 integral to New Zealand’s identity. The national sport is rugby, and the national team the mighty All Blacks. There is also a full range of other outdoor sports centred on the splendid natural environment.
By European standards, New Zealand is very 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.
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