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Culture Introduction

Our Culture

New Zealand has a unique and dynamic culture. The culture of its indigenous Māori people affects the language, the arts, and even the accents of all New Zealanders. Their place in the South Pacific, and their love of the outdoors, sport, and the arts make New Zealanders and their culture unique in the world.

Māori Culture
New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people have a unique and fascinating language and culture, which plays a major role in New Zealand life.

The People
Though a diverse and multicultural people, there are many qualities, including friendliness, individuality, invention and self-reliance, that you’ll find in most New Zealanders. It’s our national character!

Arts
The influence of Māori, Pacific Island, European and Asian cultures makes the arts in New Zealand colourful, unique and vibrant - definitely something to look out for!

Kiwiana
A range of wacky and weird objects helps define what it is to be a New Zealander, or 'Kiwi'. These wonderful things are known simply as - 'Kiwiana'.

  Poupou at Waitangi
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Feature Story
NEW ZEALAND’S TANGATA WHENUA
New Zealand’s tangata whenua Tangata whenua - People of the land. The tradition of oral history, the telling of ancient stories, myths and legends, plays an important role in the lives of Te Maori. Read more about how their thinking and beliefs were shaped over the past 1000 years.

Photo credit: Te Papa
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HAKA - A NEW ZEALAND ICON
Haka - A New Zealand Icon Explore the stories and the meaning behind the haka, an ancient Maori dance, which electrifies the start of every All Black rugby game.
Read More ›
  

Front Row Rugby Club

Front Row Rugby Club Join the Front Row Rugby Club along with Tana Umaga and thousands of others.

New Zealand Videos

New Zealand Videos Browse our collection of videos that showcase what New Zealand has to offer.

Your Words

Your Words Browse personal blogs for straight talking thoughts and opinions about our places, people and adventures.


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