Love Your Kiwi Culture!

Waitangi Day is just around the corner, and as this uniquely Aotearoa/New Zealand commemoration day looms, many of us find ourselves asking: “Just who are we in terms of national identity?” What’s more, it’s a perfectly understandable question, given our remote location in the world. With our nearest neighbour (Australia) 1,600km away, and 10,000km separating us from the Americas and also from Europe, it’s no wonder we sometimes get lost trying to define ourselves. Yet, as we look closely, we find we do, indeed, have a sense of self as a nation. It’s one we can be proud of, and which continues to develop as we do! So, let’s take a look at how it all pans out.

Trimmers of tall poppies but welcoming to visitors

European settlers left the class system behind when they colonised the new-found country of New Zealand. In fact, ‘class’ was the reason many immigrated in the first place. No wonder, then, even today, part of our cultural makeup can be to feel a tad resentful of tall poppies. In doing so, however, we forget those who have ‘made it,’ pave the way for others to succeed.  Kiwis are also fiercely proud of their Māori culture, regardless of their own ethnicity. So much so, not only do we hold our heads up high when a haka is performed on the rugby field, but many of us are able to ‘korero’ at least a few words of Māori with our grandies. To those who arrive here as tourists, we are well known as welcoming hosts, quick to share our time and be of service – and always delighted to hear how much visitors appreciate our country!

Lovers of the big outdoors

We’re a nation that loves its mountains, forests and seas. Whether it’s via a family bach or a camping ground, almost all of us have experienced what nature offers here in Godzone. We fish, swim, ski, hunt, hike, and cycle amongst some of the best scenery in the world, and like to believe we can look after ourselves in the big outdoors. Whether we’re out and about in a 60s-plus tramping group, day-tripping with our walking club, or teaching our grandchildren to swim, we value what’s on our own back doorstep!

Proud but modest

If there’s one thing that Kiwis do better than most, it’s combining pride with modesty. Which is why we’re known for falling over backwards to give credit to others before ourselves, and to lay success at the foot of a team rather than an individual. It’s a habit which keeps us humble, and we’re universally loved for it. As seniors, our challenge, now, is to instil these same values in the younger members of our family as they tackle the social media values of influencers from all nations and walks of life. Let’s put Kiwi culture first!

Inventive and independent

We’re a ‘number 8 wire’ nation – able to repair our own downpipe, conjuring up a fix for our grandchildren’s bicycle break-downs, and still happy to knit for a new baby. Many of us still haul in our own firewood, grow our own vegetables, and tow our own golf bag. Let’s pass on this Kiwi independence by making time to help young family members with DIY projects, lending tools, and sharing skills and knowledge.

Kiwis are admired around the world, and for good reason. As we continue to head away (in droves) to travel and see the world, let’s take the best of our culture with us, while continuing to embrace new that arrives on our shores!