New Zealand Culture
In Bite Size Pieces!
How do we define New Zealand culture?Well, culture is defined as the total of socially transmitted behaviour patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions and products of human work and thought. New Zealand culture is therefore these patterns, traits and products considered as the expression of the community and population.
As a visitor it is important that we understand something of the country and the people. New Zealand has a population of 4 million and a tenth of them work and live at anyone point across the Tasman in Australia. Another similar number are abroad travelling and working.
The dominant religion is Christianity with Ratana and Ringatu the Maori developed Christian-based faiths. Beyond this you have minority religions and as with other countries the trend for some of the population to have no religion at all. Here are some bite size facts about New Zealand culture for you to digest. Whilst you are at it check out the
Culture related reading ideas we have for you on this link!
As always, in no particular order …
New Zealand TelevisionTelevision is a primary source of culture. From English, Australian and home grown shows to American imports and in recent years a Maori TV channel. From drama to documentaries and sports to soaps interrupted of course by endless commercials the young, and not so young, of New Zealand take a daily fix from the likes of Shortland Street (remember Nurse Alison Raynor?) Zena Princess Warrior, McLeods Daughters, Neighbours and the “best” of cheap British daytime chat. (I would like to apologise for inflicting some of our dross onto you our New Zealand friends… but now is not the time or place.)
New Zealand LiteratureBecause a large proportion of cultural material consumed in New Zealand is from abroad, particularly from Britain and the States, most New Zealand artists, performers and writers find it difficult to make a living from their art. The main New Zealand literary form was the short story until about the Eighty’s. Success early on was from expats like Katherine Mansfield. Frank Sargeson, Janet Frame and others have had writing success while still living in New Zealand. Noel Hilliard wrote of a New Zealand hidden in the open. In non-fiction Michael King pulled the history within reach for a generation and Trevor Bentley surprised. Successful contemporary Māori novelists such as Alan Duff, Witi Ihimaera and Keri Hulme have found critical and popular success through the European literary form. New Zealand Literature continues to battle against the might of New Zealand sporting heroes for recognition and acceptance.
New Zealand PoetryPoetry weaves its spell from politics to the pub with the likes of Gary McCormick and Sam Hunt. James Baxter’s short lyrical poems combined with his strong social and political beliefs garnered a growing audience at home and abroad. Hone Tuwhare, the first Maori be published in English and whose outstanding contribution to the nation's literary and cultural history led to him receiving an award from the State. “And the rain steadying: black sky leaning against the long house. Sand, wind-sifted eddying lazily across the beach.” Allen Curnow is a sort of unofficial poet laureate for New Zealand. His works concerning the New Zealand scenery and the sense of isolation experienced by some who live here are perhaps his most moving works. RAK Mason’s writing is permeated with the spirit of a discoverer, a fighter, a New Zealander finding his way… “Here in this far pitched perilous hostile place, this solitary hard assaulted spot Fixed at the friendless outer edges of space”
New Zealand FilmFilm in New Zealand is big business. New Zealand film is also a kaleidoscope of cultural representation. From Once were Warriors to Lord of the Rings the country is popular with filmmakers (including the likes of Bollywood) looking for awesome New Zealand scenery as a backdrop. The New Zealand film industry has struggled for funding and whilst at times healthy and productive, still fights for its corner of the international market. We may only see the tip of the iceberg with releases such as The Piano, Heavenly Creatures or Whale Rider but there are many more on the indie circuit of the highest quality… A Song of Good, Channelling Baby, The Price of Milk, Siam Sunset (actually a Aussie film but with a great NZ actor) and more.
New Zealand MusicMusic in New Zealand is dramatically diverse. European, American and pan pacific influences morph into cutting edge contemporary classics from numerous genres.
NZ music is a real mix
and moves in step with world music and influences. From Kiri Te Kanawa to Che Fu, Crowded House to Bic Runga, New Zealand Opera nestles comfortably with hip-hop and rock in the New Zealand music lover’s psyche. Classical music has its niche and a number of internationally renowned composers to represent it but it’s beyond the opera house where music thrives. There is plenty of talent making plenty of noise here among the live music and dance scenes!
And FinallyNew Zealand does well to entertain and inform at home: Exporting beyond its shores the best in New Zealand Film Literature Music and Arts. The country inspires. The people, their challenges, pride and the landscape itself present a unique blend of influence combining to feed the talent of artists in New Zealand culture. Check this link for our
Maori culture page and more facts about new zealand culture.
This page is only a sign post, not a destination reached and gives but a snippet of New Zealand culture. There's more to come in the way of facts about New Zealand Culture designed to benefit you the visitor.
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