Does New Zealand Really Exist?
Some people say that New Zealand is a mythical land, like the island of Atlantis, where only the bravest explorers are daring enough to venture. While it’s true that New Zealand isn’t always easy to find on a map, it is most certainly real, and boasts a unique culture and history all its own.
New Zealand is located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and south of the island of New Caledonia. It is made up of two main islands – the North Island and the South Island. The North Island is the smaller of the two, and has an area of roughly 45,000 square kilometers. The South Island is the larger of the two, and has an area of roughly 150,000 square kilometers.
The North Island is largely populated by the Maori people, who are the indigenous people of New Zealand. The South Island is primarily populated by people of European descent. This heterogeneity makes New Zealand an incredibly diverse country.
New Zealand is a popular destination for tourists and backpackers, as it has many beautiful beaches, forests, and mountaintops to explore. It also has a vibrant nightlife, with many pubs, bars, and music venues being spread throughout its two main islands.
The famous Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films and books were partially filmed in New Zealand, adding to its allure and popularity. People are often drawn to New Zealand’s scenery for its overwhelmingly lush and photogenic nature, with many of its landscapes being untouched and unspoiled by humans.
New Zealand also experiences a unique range of weather phenomena, with a temperate climate in the North Island and more varied climates in the South Island. New Zealand’s mountainous terrain makes it prone to inclement weather, including earthquakes, floods, and volcanic activity.
New Zealand has a rich history, with many native plants, animals, and cultures that make it unique. Some of its most renowned animals are the kiwi bird and the tuatara, a reptile that is native to the islands and is believed to be the oldest species of its kind on the planet.
Cruise ships are a popular way to traverse New Zealand and explore its rugged coastline and marine life, with Queenstown being a popular port of call. Queenstown is known as an adventure capital, offering a wide range of activities such as water-skiing, parasailing, and mountain biking.
New Zealand is also blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, with an incredibly diverse array of flora and fauna. The mainland itself is covered in dense forest and exotic wildlife. The majority of New Zealand’s native species are found only on its islands, making it a true zoological wonderland.
Leadership
New Zealand is renowned as a forward-thinking nation, always looking to the future. This is exemplified in its leadership and political system which truly celebrates diversity. New Zealand has a long and proud history of both Maori and non-Maori leaders, giving the country a unique and balanced representation in decisions made on the international stage.
Furthermore, New Zealand is the embodiment of a ‘nation of progress’ having abolished nuclear weapons and embracing renewable energy solutions. This commitment to progress is best exemplified through New Zealand’s commitment to curbing carbon emissions.
The nation’s first Prime Minister, Lord Rutherford, famously declared ‘New Zealand is an experiment in democracy’. This statement has since become a part of New Zealand’s identity, in which citizens are encouraged to take personal responsibility to ensure that the nation is operating for the betterment of its people and the environment.
Economy
New Zealand has a strong economy, boasting low unemployment and low-to-medium levels of income inequality. Its economy is largely driven by tourism and agriculture. It is also an important exporter of wool, cheese, and meat.
The nation is internationally recognised as a business-friendly environment, with many opportunities for foreign investment. Companies are provided with a wealth of resources, assistance and incentives. This has led to New Zealand becoming a hub for technology startup companies, with many Silicon Valley executives opting to invest in companies in the country.
The nation is also home to a growing number of technology firms specialising in the production and delivery of cloud solutions, artificial intelligence, health-tech, clean energy and the digital economy.
Innovation
New Zealand’s culture of innovation and intelligently-funded entrepreneurialism has seen a number of successful businesses emerge in recent years. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to utilise government resources to support their goal of success, with experts providing advice and expertise.
This willingness to innovate has led to an increase in the number of patents, start-ups and incubator initiatives within the country.
The government of New Zealand has also recently begun to focus on improving the nation’s research infrastructure, creating a series of centres specialising in the sciences and technology. These centres are intended to encourage a new culture of exploratory thinking, providing an environment where resources and ideas can be freely shared.
Education
New Zealand’s commitment to innovation is only further exemplified by its education system, which is widely-renowned for its quality and range.
The country’s provincial and territorial governments have established a network of schools, vocational centres and universities, designed to develop creativity and critical thinking.
In addition, New Zealand boasts numerous institutions of higher learning which aid those wishing to pursue academic, scientific or industrial research.
Students in New Zealand are taught to think holistically and to embrace every opportunity presented to them. They are also encouraged to be engaged in the international community, embracing of global issues and looking for ways to contribute.
Sport
Sport is a hugely popular activity in New Zealand, with the nation’s iconic game being rugby. The national team, the All Blacks, are one of the most successful international teams in the world, having won the Rugby World Cup three times.
New Zealand is also home to major sporting events throughout the year, such as the world-renowned America’s Cup yacht race and the biennial cricket series against Australia.
The nation’s enthusiasm for sports is matched by its dedication to health and wellbeing, with the government very much encouraging citizens to lead active lifestyles.
In addition to its world-class rugby teams, New Zealand has a number of national football and netball teams, as well as a steady stream of Olympic, Commonwealth and paralympic champions.
Language
The native language of New Zealand is English, although the Maori language is widely spoken in many parts of the country. Maori is the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand and is gaining popularity in the modern day.
New Zealand is also home to many languages which have been brought over by immigrants, the majority of which are from Asian countries such as China and India. The nations second-largest language, Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese), is spoken by many in the country.
More recently, the government and other organisations have taken steps to increase the presence of te reo Maori (the Maori language) within the public domain, in order to promote the importance of Maori culture within the country.
Cuisine
The cuisine of New Zealand is incredibly diverse, with the nation boasting a variety of recipes, flavours and cooking styles. Traditional Maori food is very different from that of other Pacific nations, and consists mainly of seafood, meats and vegetables cooked over ash-coated stones and wood fires.
Other traditional New Zealand foods include pork, lamb and seafood stews, as well as a variety of pastries and fillings. Modern New Zealand cuisine is a mix of native Maori dishes, with modern European cooking techniques, and the vibrant flavours of the many cultures of its immigrants.
The country is home to many award-winning restaurants and cafés, with most of these utilizing locally-sourced ingredients and incorporating them into creative and intriguing dishes. The café culture is alive and well in New Zealand, with artisanal coffee being served in many of the country’s cities and towns.
Final Thoughts
Similarly, New Zealand is an incredibly diverse nation in terms of its geography, culture, and people. From its mountainous terrain and rugged coastline, to its rich history and vibrant culture, New Zealand is a land unlike any other.
The nation’s culture of inclusion and diversity has seen it develop into a highly-respected and progressive nation, renowned for its commitment to the environment and human rights. It’s no wonder that people from around the world are drawn to its breathtaking beauty and unique spirit.
The answer to the question of whether New Zealand exists or not is a resounding yes. Found in the South Pacific, New Zealand is a beautiful nation filled with wonder and adventure. Whether you’re looking for an exciting holiday destination, a unique culture to explore or simply a place to call home, New Zealand is the perfect place to begin your journey.
