Country Studies

New Zealand

English-speaking countries New Zealand

wellington

In 1865 Wellington became the capital city in place of Auckland.

Wellington takes its name from Arthur Wellesley , the first duke of Wellington in the English county of Somerset.

It was named by the original settlers of the New Zealand Company in recognition of the Duke's strong support for the company's principles of colonization .

The New Zealand Company was a 19th century English company that played a key role in the colonization o f New Zealand.

New Zealand

The flag shows us a version of the Union Jack combined with the constellation of Crux in the Southern Red Cross.

Beginning in the colonial age, Crux became used as a national symbol by several southern nations. The brightest stars of Crux appear on the flags of New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Papua new Guinea and Samoa.

It plays an important role in navigation.

new Zealand Coat of arms

The first quarter of the shield shows four stars that represent the Southern Cross, then three ships symbolizing the importance of New Zealand's sea trade. In the second quarter a fleece represents the farming industry. The wheat sheaf in the third quarter represents the agricultural industry, and the crossed hammers in the fourth quarter represent mining.

The supporters on either side of the shield are a Māori Chieftain holding a taiaha (a Māori war weapon) and a European woman holding the New Zealand Ensign. St Edward's Crown, shown above the shield, was used in the Coronation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

New Zealand. Symbols.

kiwi

Kiwi is a national symbol and icon of New Zealand.

The name of the bird – Kiwi comes from the language of Maori (indigenous NZ people). It means “hidden bird”. 

It is now believed that only 200 birds are left in the wild.

The association between Kiwis and NZ is so strong that often the word Kiwi is used to refer to the people of New Zealand. Kiwi appeared as a symbol for the first time in the middle of the 19 century when it is pictured on New Zealand regimental badges. 

Silver fern

Ferns are an unofficial symbol of New Zealand’s national identity. Their dominance in native bush, and their importance as food and medicine, led to their common use as design elements in traditional Māori carving. 

Today, the koru is used as a commercial logo for Air New Zealand.

Today’s New Zealand Post uses the silver fern for marketing its stamps, and it has also appeared on coins, banknotes and the nation’s coat of arms.

National Anthem of New Zealand

Māori verse: "Aotearoa"	English verse: "God Defend New Zealand"
E Ihowā Atua, O ngā iwi mātou rāĀta whakarangona; Me aroha noaKia hua ko te pai; Kia tau tō atawhai; Manaakitia maiAotearoa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dPcj_aC8fk	God of Nations at Thy feet, In the bonds of love we meet, Hear our voices, we entreat, God defend our free land. Guard Pacific's triple star From the shafts of strife and war, Make her praises heard afar, God defend New Zealand.

To BE Continued…