In a little over a week, I will have to say goodbye to Aotearoa. Though I have missed the comforts of home, this journey has been nothing short of rewarding. Conversing with Kiwis (New Zealanders) about their backgrounds and perceptions of society has given me a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. Reflecting on the cultural differences between New Zealand and the US, I’ll share some things that stand out.

One of the first things that stood out to me is the country’s appreciation for the culture of the Indigenous Māori people. My first week here, I noticed that in Auckland buses, place names are announced in Māori first. In fact, Māori is an official language. Political representation of indigenous people is also more normalized. For instance, as I learned during my tour of the Beehive, the National Parliament executive wing, they even have a Māori Party. There is also an emphasis on not only respecting Māori culture, but celebrating it as well. Matariki, which indicates the start of the Māori new year, is a federal holiday, and students participate in traditional dance competitions. This aspect of Kiwi culture, something I don’t see as often back home, has enriched my experience.

Last month, I met up with a University of Auckland student for coffee, and I really enjoyed learning from her perspective. We had a fun conversation about several aspects of pop culture, including books, movies, restaurants, and high school traditions. We also chatted about Kiwi lingo and colloquialisms.

Here are some examples:

• Corner shops/convenience stores- Dairies
• Fries- Chips
• Gas- Petrol
• Ketchup- Tomato sauce
• Swimsuits- Togs
• Holiday home- Batch
• Long time- Yonks (as in, “I haven’t seen you in yonks!”)
• Middle of nowhere- Wop wops
• Hiking- Tramping

As I was researching New Zealand’s travel regulations, I learned that it places a high priority on protecting its biodiversity. I really appreciate their respect for nature- the country’s natural beauty is my favorite thing about it. Even in Auckland, the most populated city, there is an abundance of green areas and parks, which I often visit. Not to mention the incredible beaches! 

Being immersed in New Zealand’s unique way of life was the change of pace I didn’t know I needed. I will leave here inspired with new goals and fresh ideas, ready to take on my next adventure.