• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

      Districts

      HastingsNapier

      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

      Districts

      OpotikiOpotiki iSiteKawerauWhakatane

      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

      Districts

      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

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Introduction To New Zealand Culture

Despite having a population of just under 5 million, New Zealand has one of the most unique and diverse cultures on the planet. With such a broad and dynamic range of cultures existing together, it would be easy to assume that there could be some friction between the demographics. However, as New Zealand has modernised, this has proven to be far from the truth.

The People of New Zealand

Due to its geographical remoteness, New Zealand was one of the last areas on Earth to be inhabited by humans. The first settlers were Polynesians who arrived in the late 1200s. Their traditions developed into the unique Maori culture as they spread around the New Zealand archipelago, making the most of the diverse natural resources at their disposal.

The next wave of settlers were Europeans that travelled across the globe to reach their new home, mainly in the 1800s. Sometimes referred to as Pakeha by the Maori, these Europeans now make up the main demographic on New Zealand. Although the European and Maori populations had their share of differences and disagreements, over time, a positive relationship has developed. Most noticeably after New Zealand gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1948 and the cultures of these two people groups infused.

Kiwi Culture

These united New Zealanders or ‘Kiwis’, have become known for their open-mindedness and progressive outlook towards politics and culture. New Zealand was the first country to allow women the right to vote in 1893 and has continued to show its willingness to prioritise fairness and inclusivity within its borders. However, the people of New Zealand aren’t just known for their fairness, but also their friendliness and pragmatism. With many Kiwis just a few generations away from their pioneering ancestors, the hard-working attitude and willingness to help others has stayed strong as the people of New Zealand have gone into the modern age.

It’s this welcoming, friendly outlook at has led to New Zealand becoming a real melting pot of cultures, and not just Maori and European! In recent years there has been significant growth in the Asian demographic within New Zealand. Most of these Asian New Zealanders have found they have a lot in common with the existing culture of New Zealand, specifically culture with a Maori influence. Emphasis on valuing elders, welcoming strangers and in the case of some South-East Asians, even the dance traditions are reminiscent of home.

The critical component to the success of this open and diverse Kiwi culture is sharing. Sharing arts like dance, sculpture and literature, sharing values and even sharing language. Kiwis exemplify this in New Zealand’s National Anthem, ‘God Defend New Zealand’. The song is sung in both English and Maori demonstrating the togetherness of the people.

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