New Zealand- The Country, Customs, and Culture Presented by Melanie

~Geographical Location~ New Zealand, about 1,250 mi (2,012 km) southeast of Australia, consists of two main islands and a number of smaller outlying islands so scattered they range from the tropical to the Antarctic. The country is the size of Colorado. Capital: Wellington New Zealand, about 1,250 mi (2,012 km) southeast of Australia, consists of two main islands and a number of smaller outlying islands so scattered they range from the tropical to the Antarctic. The country is the size of Colorado. Capital: Wellington Largest Cities: Auckland, 369,000 (metro area) Largest Cities: Auckland, 369,000 (metro area) 359,000 (city proper); Christchurch, 334,100. The highest mountain peak standing at 3,754m The highest mountain peak standing at 3,754m (12,319 ft) is Aoraki/Mt. Cook.; longest river is the Waikato River at 425km.

~ History ~ Maoris were the first inhabitants of New Zealand, arriving on the islands in about 950 A.D. and 1150 A.D. Maoris were the first inhabitants of New Zealand, arriving on the islands in about 950 A.D. and 1150 A.D. Maori oral history maintains that the Maoris came to the island in seven canoes from other parts of Polynesia. Maori oral history maintains that the Maoris came to the island in seven canoes from other parts of Polynesia. In 1642, New Zealand was explored by Abel Tasman, a Dutch navigator. In 1642, New Zealand was explored by Abel Tasman, a Dutch navigator. British Captain James Cook made three voyages to the islands, beginning in British Captain James Cook made three voyages to the islands, beginning in Britain formally annexed the islands in Britain formally annexed the islands in 1840.

~ Celebrations ~ Auckland Festival Auckland Festival On New Zealands North Island, in the city of Auckland, its next festival is set to begin March 9-24, AK07s breathtaking new program will celebrate the best, the most, and the sum of Asia-Pacifics first city. The AK07 event is certain to boost Aucklands profile on the international festival circuit and confirm its reputation as one of this hemispheres leading arts and cultural centers. The Auckland Festival is about: Engaging Aucklanders in the arts, and to celebrate the cultures and essence of Auckland. Support New Zealand art and artists. Reflect what is unique about Auckland. A broad program of ticketed and free events, New Zealand and International performers, appealing to Aucklands many audiences.

~ Doing Business in New Zealand ~ Business practices in New Zealand are similar to the United States. Business practices in New Zealand are similar to the United States. Tailored suits is the preferred business attire. Tailored suits is the preferred business attire. Appointments are necessary and should be made at least one week in advance. Appointments are necessary and should be made at least one week in advance. Punctuality is part of the culture. Fashionably late is not an option in this country as most social events start on time. Punctuality is part of the culture. Fashionably late is not an option in this country as most social events start on time. Calling cards or business cards are exchanged. Calling cards or business cards are exchanged. Politics, sports, and weather are good conversational topics, and may be hotly debated. In order to be a good conversationalist, stay current and informed on critical topics. One in particular is New Zealands nuclear free zone. Politics, sports, and weather are good conversational topics, and may be hotly debated. In order to be a good conversationalist, stay current and informed on critical topics. One in particular is New Zealands nuclear free zone. Business visits are best during the months: February to April and October-November. Business visits are best during the months: February to April and October-November.

~ Gift Giving Etiquette ~ When invited to a New Zealanders Kiwis house, keeping in mind the appropriate gifts may be helpful so the host is not offended: When invited to a New Zealanders Kiwis house, keeping in mind the appropriate gifts may be helpful so the host is not offended: A small gift such as flowers, chocolates, or a book about your home country. A small gift such as flowers, chocolates, or a book about your home country. Gifts should not be lavish. Gifts should not be lavish. Gifts are opened when received. Gifts are opened when received. One might follow up with a One might follow up with a thank-you card the next day.

~Points of Interest~ New Zealand was once part of a super continent called Gondwana. New Zealand was once part of a super continent called Gondwana. First National Park is Tongariro. First National Park is Tongariro. The top of a volcano, known as Mt. Ruapehu, is the highest point on New Zealand. The top of a volcano, known as Mt. Ruapehu, is the highest point on New Zealand. About 900 km northeast is a group of islands known as the Kermadec Islands. About 900 km northeast is a group of islands known as the Kermadec Islands. Abel Tasman National Park is furthest North. Abel Tasman National Park is furthest North. The largest lake-Lake Taupo- is 606km sq. The largest lake-Lake Taupo- is 606km sq. The Maori name-Te Aka a Maui- is what the North Island is called. The Maori name-Te Aka a Maui- is what the North Island is called. New Zealands deepest lake-Hauroko-is located near the bottom of the South Island. New Zealands deepest lake-Hauroko-is located near the bottom of the South Island.

~Maori Traditions~ Hongi (Maori Greeting) The pressing of noses is the customary greeting at a formal Maori occasion (the Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand). Learning something about this indigenous culture is suggested. The pressing of noses is the customary greeting at a formal Maori occasion (the Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand). Learning something about this indigenous culture is suggested.

~Summary~ New Zealand is a thriving country similar in some aspects to the United States. New Zealand is a thriving country similar in some aspects to the United States. International trade is essential to New Zealand. International trade is essential to New Zealand. Preserving culture and respecting business etiquette are important. Preserving culture and respecting business etiquette are important. One should have some knowledge and understanding of Maori customs. One should have some knowledge and understanding of Maori customs. Honesty and directness is appreciated. Honesty and directness is appreciated. Kiwis are friendly, outgoing, and social people. Kiwis are friendly, outgoing, and social people. Be informed and up-to-date on current events. Be informed and up-to-date on current events.