NEW ZEALAND. CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

NEW ZEALAND. CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

New Zealanders are open, friendly and hospitable. Their life style is relaxed and informal. They are practical people. They enjoy working in their homes and gardens.

In NZ western-style clothing is the standard. People wear casual clothing in public. European fashions are popular, but NZ also has its own fashion industry. Maori wear traditional costumes for ceremonies and cultural events.

New Zealanders like to have friends over for dinner. Garden barbecues are especially popular on weekends. Dropping unannounced is quite common.

Many people like sports. Rugby and soccer are popular in winter. Cricket is a favourite sport in summer. There are many opportunities for mountaineering, tramping, fishing, hunting, swimming, jogging and sailing. The climate makes it possible in any season.

Official public holidays include New Year’s, Waitangi Day, and Easter, Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday, Labour Day, Christmas and Boxing Day.

New Zealand is a gardener’s paradise. A visitor’s first impression of this country is one of green. 800 New Zealand gardens are open to visitors. Pukeiti is a grand Kiwi passion for gardening.

New Zealanders greet with a handshake and Gidday. Maori may greet with a hug or a traditional hongi - pressing noses together with eyes clothed. Hello in Maori is ‘Tena korua’. In NZ waving at a friend is a sign of recognition. Young people like to raise both eyebrows in the direction of their friend. It is polite to avoid chewing gum in public. Personal space must be observed.

A traditional family has two parents and two children. It is common for both parents to work. Family ties are looser than they once were. Most families own their homes. Among Polynesians in some cases several generations live together in one house.

New Zealanders eat much butter and meat. Lamb is a favourite meal. Tea is the most popular drink and beer and wine are popular alcoholic beverages. In the NZ diet seafood and fresh vegetables play a great role. Beef, pork, roast lamb and fish are common. Now people prefer hamburgers, pizza and chips. Yeast extract is used as a bread spread, but peanut butter, honey and jam are also popular. Fruit include apples, bananas, apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries and strawberries and tomatoes. New Zealanders believe that their cheeses and ice cream are the best in the world.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWIGN QUESTIONS:

1. Where do New Zealanders prefer to work?

2. What are the features of clothing?

3. Name all the sport activities popular in New Zealand.

4. How many gardens are there in New Zealand?

5. What is “Gidday” and ‘Tena korua’ in New Zealand?

6. Do New Zealanders believe that their cheeses and ice cream are the worst in the world?

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