Transportation

New Zealand’s cities and towns are linked by a sophisticated road system. In addition, most areas are linked by air and rail. Air New Zealand and New Zealand Railways are both government owned. There are international airports at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The chief ports are Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers.

Trade

New Zealand must export to live. The primary exports are agricultural commodities. More-sophisticated processes for refrigeration and improved transportation services have led to a tremendous expansion of trade. Automobiles and other manufactured goods and petroleum are the leading imports. Japan, Australia, and the United States purchase about 40% of New Zealand’s exports and provide a substantial percentage of its imports. The country’s longstanding trade deficit improved in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

People

New Zealand is one nation and two peoples and is only now coming to grips with its biculturalism. The initial Maori settlers are far outnumbered by people of European descent, primarily of English and Scottish heritage. The pakeha (the Maori word for European settlers) make up 86% of the total population. Maori constitute approximately 9%, and other Pacific islanders 3 %. Immigration to New Zealand is not significant. A recent census revealed that 85% of the residents were New Zealanders by birth, and the country suffered a net out-migration of more than 30,000 between 1982 and 1986 due to adverse economic conditions.

English and Maori are the official languages of New Zealand. Almost all Maori speak English; the Maori language is used primarily for ceremonies and other special occasions. However, the English language spoken in New Zealand includes many Maori words, and many place names come from the Maori language. For example, the word kiwi, which refers to a native bird and national symbol, can also mean a New Zealander; and a white person is a pakeha (a Maori word meaning “fair skinned”).

Christianity is the predominant religion, although relatively few people are regular churchgoers. Anglican (24%), Presbyterian (18%), Roman Catholic (15%), Methodist, and Baptist denominations are all represented.

Demography

About 74% of the population live on the North Island, which is often described as a town, while only 25% live on the South Island, which is considered the country. The Maori population is increasing at a more rapid rate than that of non-Maoris. New Zealand is highly urbanized, with one in four New Zealanders living in the city and suburbs of Auckland, but cities are not overcrowded and the overall population density remains low. Other cities include Wellington (the capital), Christchurch, and Dundedin.

Flag

The New Zealand and Australian flags are very much alike. With the British flag in the top left-hand corner, the New Zealanders show the stars of the Southern Cross in red on a blue field.