Life & Culture in New Zealand
Learn more about New Zealand lifestyles, culture, languages and customs, and our religious freedom. Find out about New Zealand attitudes to sex, dating and relationships.
Māori culture
Settling in a new country is easier if you know a little about its culture and lifestyle. Learn about New Zealand and Māori culture and traditions, and the lifestyle here.
Te Ao Māori
Te Ao Māori means the Māori world. A simple definition but one that covers so much, including te reo Māori (the Māori language) and tikanga Māori (customs and protocols). Te Ao Māori is the way with which Māori live, see and interact with the world around them through their cultural lens. This interaction exists in both the physical and spiritual worlds.
Speaking te reo Māori
Te reo Māori (the Māori language) is one of three official languages in New Zealand, along with English and New Zealand Sign Language. Find out how to pronounce it, where to learn it and some common words.
Speaking NZ English
Learn about New Zealand slang and some words and phrases in New Zealand English that will help you understand our culture better.
Dating, relationships and sex
Attitudes to dating, relationships and sex may be different in New Zealand than in your home country. Learn about them here.
Religious freedom
New Zealand is a nation of people from all over the world who have many different faiths, beliefs and religions. We’re an open-minded country where you’re free to worship and practice your religion.
Being LGBTQIA+
New Zealand is often called one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries in the world. Find out what it is like to live and study here.
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Tips for Settling into Life in New Zealand
Whether you’re looking for a study option or being transferred to NZ through an exchange programme, preparing to move and settle in a new country is a daunting task.
How Discovering Māori Culture Helped Me Explore My Own
For Brook Thompson, coming to New Zealand to learn about Māori culture became an opportunity to explore her own culture.
What New Zealand Has Taught Me About Community
Coming from a small town back home, Leah was pleased to find a sense of community in Christchurch city.
Related pages
Keep your things safe
Stay safe in New Zealand. New Zealand's crime rate is lower than many other countries, which means we have less theft. However, it's still important to keep your things safe while you’re studying here. Learn about student insurance and protecting your belongings.
Dating, relationships & sex in New Zealand
Attitudes to dating, relationships and sex may be different in New Zealand than in your home country.
Religious freedom in New Zealand
New Zealand is a nation of people from all over the world who have many different faiths, beliefs and religions. We’re an open-minded country where you’re free to worship and practice your religion.