THE FACTS
- NZ is located in the South Pacific Ocean and is typically described as being part of Oceania
- NZ is one of the closest countries to Antarctica (that's the frozen end in the Southern hemisphere of the planet).
- NZ has OPPOSITE seasons to countries in the Northern hemisphere of the planet.
- Citizens of NZ are commonly referred to as Kiwi's.
- Australia (Aussie) is the closest country to NZ.
- NZ is the closest country to the International Date Line, so sees the New Year before the rest of the world!
- Marmite, Pineapple Lumps and Pavlova were invented by New Zealanders.
- Greenstone/Pounamu is a precious New Zealand stone, distinct from other forms of Jade.
- New Zealand has many rare native animals such as Tuatara, Kiwi, Kakapo, Pukeko and Tui.
- Fish'n'chips are a delicacy in New Zealand, and is typically pronounced by Northen Kiwi's as 'fush-un-chups'.
- The Northern New Zealand accent is quite distinct from the Southern New Zealand accent. Kiwi's from the deep South typically roll their R's. The Northern accent can me typified by pronounciation such as 'nyuu zilund' and the Southern accent can be typified by pronounciation such as 'perrpill cerrkill'.
- The current government is controlled by the National Party led by Prime Minister John Key.