​New Zealand is a country in the south-west of the Pacific Ocean, consists of 2 large islands:

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- North Island (with the capital – Wellington)

- South Island.

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The early Polynesian settlers in New Zealand called the country Aotearoa, which means Land of the Long White Cloud. ​

New Zealand is a long way from any other country. For example, the closest country to the west, Australia, is about 2,000 kilometres away.

New Zealand is not a crowded country. There are more sheep than people there.

Most people live on North Island in the capital, Wellington or in Auckland.

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People from New Zealand are called New Zealanders, or sometimes ‘kiwis’. This is because the national symbol of the county is a bird called the kiwi. The kiwi has no wings and can’t fly.

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​Maoris say hello by pressing their noses together in a greeting called hongi.

The original people of New Zealand, who were living there before the Europeans arrived, are called Maoris.

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​HAKA

​New Zealanders are very proud of their national rugby team, the All Blacks. The team gets its name from the fact that it plays in black shirts, shorts and socks.

The most known haka in New Zealand is the Ka Mate haka, because it has traditionally been performed by the All Blacks  before the matches.

The Ka Mate haka is classified as a haka taparahi – a ceremonial haka. Ka Mate is about the cunning ruse Te Rauparaha used to outwit his enemies, and may be interpreted as ‘a celebration of the triumph of live over death’. 

New Zealand has an excellent climate for all sorts of outdoor activities, and many people go there to try ‘extreme sports’ such as bungee jumping.​

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