General facts 3 land and recources 4

Holidays and Celebrations

The official public holidays of New Zealand include New Year (the first two working days in January are public holidays), Waitangi Day (6 February), Easter (Good Friday through Easter Monday), Anzac Day (25 April), Queen Elizabeth’s II Birthday (observed the first Monday in June), Labour Day (the fourth Monday in October), Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December).

Waitangi Day marks the occasion in 1840 when the United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the indigenous Maori. Under this treaty, New Zealand became a British colony. The Maori ceded sovereignty to the British in return for legal protection as British subjects. The Maori were guaranteed possession of their land, but with the limitation that they could sell only to the monarchy.

Anzac is an acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac Day honors the nation’s armed forces that have fought in wars. Boxing Day derives from an old British tradition of giving small-boxed gifts to service workers and trades people on day after Christmas. It is now a day for visiting and relaxing. In addition to these holidays, each province has an Anniversary Day commemorating its founding.

Eating

Traditional British-style big breakfasts and hearty meals of meat and potatoes have gradually given way to a more diverse and health-conscious diet. New Zealanders have long eaten beef, pork, mutton, and fish, and are now eating more poultry. Fruit is plentiful, so are dairy products. New Zealand produces fine wines, and beer is a popular beverage. Popular takeout foods at lunchtime include meat pies, sandwiches, and filled bread rolls. Chinese food, pizza, hamburgers, and fried chicken are all available for a takeout dinner, in addition to the more traditional fish and chips wrapped in newspaper. In the main cities, restaurants serve a wide range of cuisine, including Thai, Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, Greek, and Mexican.

New Zealanders generally eat three meals a day, and many still enjoy the British traditions of a morning cup of tea and afternoon tea at about 3 or 4 p.m. The main meal is usually in the evening between 6 and 7 p.m., although when dining out it is more likely to be around 8 p.m.