Post Tagged with "New Zealand"

Picture Postcards: Songkran in New Zealand

Songkran, or Thai New Year is celebrated all over the world by Thai immigrants. This photo was taken at the festival in Auckland, New Zealand.

Read more:
Khao Chae: a Cooling Thai Summer Treat
Traditional Maori Craft in New Zealand
Meet Marie, a Polish- American married to a Brit, mother to a Thai toddler, living in New Zealand! Wow!

Picture Postcards: Samoan food van in Auckland, New Zealand

There is a large Polynesian Island population living in Auckland and being able to get some Samoan food while shopping at a weekend market is just one of the bonuses that gives us Aucklanders.

Read more:
Pasifika in New Zealand
Interview with an Aucklander
New Zealand Pies

New Zealand Languages

Learning the days of the week in Te Reo Māori

What language or languages are used within a country is a complicated issue. Sometimes there are strict rules in order to preserve a language and sometimes it is simply historical happenstance. It is also interesting to note that many countries do not have language policies. We may assume that the language most people speak in a country is the official language but there is not always legislation to prove that. For instance, the United States does not have a nationwide declaration of an official language (State by state legislation may differ). English is only the lingua franca. Surprising, isn’t it?

In the case of New Zealand, we do have an official language policy. In fact, we have three languages. Can you guess what they are? One hint can be that the first people to arrive in New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa, were the Māori and the next to arrive were the Pakeha (Europeans). So, two of our official languages are Te Reo Māori and English (technically English is a de facto official language because of it’s widespread use rather than by written policy). Our third official language is New Zealand Sign.

Most New Zealanders use a few Te Reo words in everyday life. If you feel hungry, you may want to get some kai. After the Christchurch earthquakes began people started collecting koha (precious gifts, usually money) to help those in need. And at work, you may need to attend a hui or meeting, on occasion. And everyone likes to say kia ora (hello) when they see someone.

If you are keen to learn some NZ Sign, there is a great online dictionary that you can use at the NZSL website. And, as for English, well you are already reading it, aren’t you?

Picture Postcards: only in New Zealand

Today we have to thank Marie for sending a particularly New Zealand example of graffiti/street art showing Sir Edmund Hillary and a South Pacific wahine.

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Picture Postcards: New Zealand pie

If our survey is anything to go by, food is a popular topic so, even though June doesn’t technically start for another couple of days, we thought we’d kick in early on Picture Postcards to see what everyone is eating for lunch. Here is my contribution from New Zealand.

In some places, such as in North America, the word ‘pie’ conjures up ideas of sweet desserts. Here in New Zealand a pie is almost always savoury. They come filled with meat, fish or veggies and are quite popular for a stay-at-home dinner, or an on-the-run lunch.

What do you eat for lunch in your country?

Want to know more about New Zealand?
The New Zealand Dairy
Traditional Maori Craft in New Zealand
Summer Rituals in New Zealand

Picture Postcards: New Zealand Lupins

Continuing our month of flowers around the world and in support of this week’s #Blog4NZ event, here is a snap of the highly fragrant lupins which are found in alpine areas of New Zealand. This photo was taken on the Lindis Pass between Christchurch and Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island.

More about New Zealand:
The New Zealand Dairy
Traditional Maori Craft in New Zealand
Summer Rituals in New Zealand