Sarah Jacksson
A trip to New Zealand is sure to be a rewarding experience. This island country in the southwest Pacific Ocean is comprised of two main landmasses and over 700 smaller islands. Its total area is 268,021 square kilometers. Learn about the local culture and languages. Find out more about Biosecurity laws and Maori language. Then, plan your trip! Here are some important facts about New Zealand! (Click on a topic to learn more).
English is the primary language
Although English is the primary language in New Zealand, it is not spoken exclusively. New Zealand is a former British colony and is one of the nations in the Commonwealth of Nations. However, many people still speak a variety of other languages and dialects in the country. Listed below are some facts you should know about the country. To learn more about New Zealand, visit their country page. Listed below are some interesting facts about this country.
The majority of the population speaks English. The government, courts, parliament, and education system use English as the main language. The status of English as the primary language has been assumed for many years, but has not been formally codified until recently. Then, New Zealand First MP Clayton Mitchell introduced a bill in Parliament that would recognize English as the primary language in New Zealand. While the bill passed, the government is yet to decide if it is a good idea.
Maori and NZSL are de jure official languages
The two main languages of New Zealand are English and Maori. While English is the dominant language, the Maori language is widely spoken, with only about 100,000 people speaking it fluently. Maori speakers, typically over 15 years old, make up about 3.7 percent of the population. Before European settlers arrived, Maori was the only language spoken on New Zealand’s main islands.
Te reo and NZSL were already given official language status in 1987 and 2006 respectively. But the bill to make English an official language gathered more than 6258 signatures and was presented to Parliament last year. Despite the petition’s success, some say that English is already de facto New Zealand’s official language. Nonetheless, it has been long since gaining official status.
Maori was largely displaced as the dominant language in the 1800s as English speakers took over Maori culture. This resulted in an English-style school system. The government of New Zealand introduced a law called the Native Schools Act in the late nineteenth century that gradually displaced the Maori language from the school curriculum. The aim was to create a school system in New Zealand more similar to that of European countries.
Maori culture
The revival of Maori culture in New Zealand has brought a renewed interest in Maori art and culture. Traditionally, tattoos were considered a sign of high social status, and tattooing ceremonies were accompanied by rites of passage. The art of Maori people is known as toi, and includes painting, carving, and weaving. Several art galleries in the country showcase these works. In addition to tattooing, Maori art is experiencing a renaissance in popularity.
The Maori used to eat shellfish and fish. The standard whare, or meeting house, was two metres by three metres, with a low roof, earth floor, and a single doorway. In winter, the maori caught eels using a large flax net called a hinaki. In addition to fish, the Maori also harvested young birds, cooked them in their own fat, and preserved them as gifts. They also ate native pigeons and suckling sheep.
Maori art and culture can be enjoyed in many forms, including art, music, and dance. Dances such as the Haka are performed by Maori groups before games, and are attributed to the early 19th century. While most Haka are performed by men, there are female performers, such as kapa haka groups. There are many traditional forms of Maori art and culture, as well as contemporary forms like film and poetry.
Biosecurity laws
The first biosecurity law in the world was enacted in 1993. It was passed to protect New Zealand’s native organisms from unwanted pests and diseases. The Biosecurity Act 1993 is enforced by the Ministry for Primary Industries and covers biosecurity controls on both the country’s borders and inside the country. Visitors are frequently fined for bringing in plants, wood products, or fishing gear. In addition, they must report organisms that are not normally seen in the country.
Biosecurity laws in New Zealand are designed to protect the country’s natural resources from threats that would threaten its agriculture and biodiversity. Imports that are likely to be problematic for biosecurity will be destroyed or treated. Other agencies may also be involved, especially in the case of importing food. In New Zealand, these laws are enforced to protect our biodiversity. Listed below are some of the most important biosecurity laws in New Zealand.
Mountain ranges
The main mountain ranges in New Zealand are primarily made up of greywacke, a softer rock formed by tectonic pressure. This material is common in rivers, lakes, and other types of landscape in the country. The mountain ranges of New Zealand are also home to unique wildlife. The New Zealand wren is one of only two surviving species. It lives in the South Island’s remote subalpine regions.
The country’s mountains are breathtaking when seen in person. These imposing ranges were once gods and warriors. According to Maori legend, fierce battles forged the landscape. Maori people hold a great respect for these mountains, and have a strong relationship with them. Whether you’re an experienced climber or just a beginner, New Zealand’s mountains will inspire you to reach for the stars!
The most well-known mountain ranges in the country are the Southern Alps, which stretch across most of the North Island. This region is home to the tallest peaks in the country, including Mount Cook, at 3,754 metres. During winter, Mount Ruapehu is covered in snow, and during summer, it’s covered with rugged volcanic rock. A popular attraction for tourists is the Masterpiece tour, which takes you deep into the heart of the mountains.
Forests
While forests are not a dominant feature of the New Zealand landscape, they do have an important role in the biodiversity of the country. While New Zealand was a naturally forested country before the logging boom, forests have been lost to a variety of development and environmental issues. These issues range from climate change to non-tariff barriers. To protect New Zealand’s natural landscapes, forests must be protected. The following are some important considerations for New Zealand’s future forest management.
Native Maori culture is strongly associated with forests in New Zealand. The first humans lived on the island during the last ice age, and they were connected to forests throughout their history. The Maoris attribute the relationship between humankind and forests to a kaitiaki or guardian, Tane Mahuta. In Maori myth, a kaitiaki (guardian) separated the earth mother and sky father, Ranginui, and created forests as a way to spread light to the world.
Birds
Despite being a small country, New Zealand is home to numerous species of flightless birds. Among these is the kereru, also known as the New Zealand pigeon. The kereru has an incredible white and blue-green plumage. This bird is so unique that it is often heard before it is even seen. This bird is important in New Zealand’s ecosystem, helping to disperse seeds.
The kiwi is one of the most famous birds of New Zealand, and its name comes from its shrill call. This flightless bird is nocturnal and characterized by nostrils at the tip of its long beak. Kiwis lay the largest eggs of any bird species. They spend much of the day in burrows, and only come out during the night to forage. They eat insects, worms, larvae, and berries.
The Takahe is an incredible flightless bird that lives on the South Island. This flightless bird has brilliant blue plumage and is the largest member of the rail-bird family. It is native to New Zealand and is a part of the Maori culture. It is also represented on the New Zealand $10 note. Its distinctive blue-grey plumage and long red bill make it a beautiful sight. It is a monogamous bird and lives in streams.
Treaty settlements
Today is an historic day for Treaty settlements in New Zealand, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Michael Cullen. On Thursday, Parliament passed three Treaty settlements under urgency. This includes the Te Arawa Treaty settlement, which included a formal apology for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and the transfer of 19 areas of Crown land of special significance. The settlement excludes most forestry assets and is part of a collective settlement for the central North Island.
After a Tribunal reports to the Crown, it can use this report to begin negotiations for a Treaty settlement. Such a settlement will acknowledge historical claims and provide financial compensation and other measures to address harm. The historical claims addressed in past Treaty settlements have resulted in enhanced cultural and commercial development and a legal framework to protect and respect the rights of iwi. But the process is not without its challenges.
