Lifestyle

Ever since the turn of the 21st century ushered in the globally renowned 'Lord of the Rings' film trilogy , directed by Peter Jackson and filmed in New Zealand, this fabled land of hobbits, dwarfs and dragons has attracted the attention of the world.

Culture shock is the term used to describe the feeling of anxiety that a person can experience after they have moved into an entirely new environment.

The legal age of marriage in New Zealand is 16 years. If one or both partners are under the age of 20 and have not been married before, then parental consent to marry is required.

New Zealand is a modern democratic country in which human rights are protected. It is illegal to discriminate on grounds such as race, religion or ethnicity. Complaints about discrimination should be made to the Human Rights Commission office.

New Zealand’s national sport is rugby. However, New Zealanders also participate in a full range of other sporting activities - often with considerable success at international level.

At dinner parties it is customary for guests to bring a bottle of wine. It is also common, but not obligatory, to ask "Is there anything I can bring?" Often, the hosts will decline the offer.

New Zealanders have a very similar way of life and share values common to most Western countries but there are some special features. ‘Kiwis’ are passionate about sport and have a firm belief in social equality.

New Zealand has good air, train and bus links, schedules are available at most Information Centres.

The first Polynesian settlers, the Maori, arrived in New Zealand in the 10th century and named it Aotearoa Land of the Long White Cloud. By the 12th century, there were scattered settlements in favored parts of the country.

New Zealand has strict laws to protect its agricultural industries from imported pests and diseases. If you bring in items such as food and plants, these must be declared to Customs officials.