Maori and Paheka, Pacific and Asian cultures … New Zealand’s unique blend of peoples has created
a vibrant artistic and cultural identity. From world-class opera singers such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
to the theatrical spectacle that is the World of Wearable Arts, New Zealanders definitely have an
artistic side to their nature. The Kiwi culture is about being innovative, independent and
celebrating diversity. New Zealanders have always been a pretty creative people – even if that
creativity has often been turned to practical ends. It’s a talent that gives rise to the old
‘Number 8 Fencing Wire’ mentality – the idea that you could give a Kiwi a piece of fencing wire
and they could fix anything. In days gone by, when New Zealand’s geographical isolation meant a
spare part could be weeks away, this was an essential skill! The nation does not seem so far away
now, but creativity remains an essential part of the national identity. So, while there’s no denying
that sports are an intrinsic part of New Zealand culture, there’s a parallel force of innovative
writers, artists, film-makers and musicians. The relative youth and isolation of the nation has led
to artists developing a unique Pacific style. And in recent years, as the country has matured
into self-confidence, art and culture have risen to new prominence.
New Zealand Art
The Maori have developed powerful artistic forms in the carving of bone, stone, wood and shell, and
in weaving fibres, since their earliest settlement of New Zealand. With the arrival of Europeans,
inspiration sped back and forth, weaving a unique blend of artistic histories and cultures. The
newness and untouched beauty of New Zealand when the settlers arrived meant that the style of
many early European artworks was often romanticised and nostalgic, and many were produced by
surveyors. In the twentieth century, as New Zealand grew into a confident, vibrant nation, more
original artists appeared. Realism and honesty about New Zealand life became dominant themes,
and artists like Rita Angus, Colin McCahon and Toss Woolaston came to prominence. In recent years,
themes and styles have increasingly reflected the diversity of New Zealand society, and distinct
Maori, Asian and Pacific Island influences can be clearly seen.
New Zealand Literature
New Zealand literature has a character like no other. The country’s relative isolation means
that, although themes similar to other postcolonial nations have slipped in, there is a quality
about New Zealand writing which is wholly unique. Kiwi writers aren’t afraid to speak their minds
and broaden the minds of others: whether in the prophetic, powerful poetry of James K Baxter, the
rich prose of Keri Hulme, the haunting modern myths of Witi Ihimaera or the searingly, lyrically
honest autobiographies by Janet Frame. The landscapes, the rich storytelling tradition of the
Maori and the country’s love of individuality and creativity have combined to produce a wonderfully
diverse range of books and authors. Whether they browse a bustling chain bookshop or hunt down
one-of-a-kind treasures in quirky second-hand or independent stores, visitors are sure to find a
home-grown creation to enjoy while they travel.
New Zealand Film
If you’re a movie-goer, you’ve probably seen New Zealand on the big screen. Film-makers are
catching on to New Zealand’s charm, and the wealth of talent and innovation available in this
resourceful country make its film industry, though small, one to rival Hollywood’s. The Lord
of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand and directed by New Zealander Peter Jackson. Computers
helped create some of the effects, but the scenery was all natural – a number of operators offer
tours to sites featuring in the films. Elijah Wood, who played Frodo, says: ‘New Zealand is
Middle-Earth. It has every geological formation and geographical landscape you can imagine - and
some you couldn’t.’ New Zealand scenery has doubled for other places, including Himalaya for
Vertical Limit and Japan for The Last Samurai. It also became Narnia in The Chronicles of
Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, directed by New Zealander Andrew Adamson.
Peter Jackson’s recent remake of King Kong told the gentle giant’s story against a subtly Kiwi
background.
New Zealanders are also good at telling their own stories on film. Whale Rider is a haunting
tale based on a story by Witi Ihimaera, examining Maori culture and myth in a modern New Zealand.
The World’s Fastest Indian tells the story of Southland motorcycle legend Burt Munro. The
irrepressible Kiwi spirit sings out loud and strong, and the character (and occasional
eccentricity) of New Zealand people is brilliantly portrayed by homegrown director Roger
Donaldson. Much of the movie was shot in and around Southland, and many locals were used
as extras in the film. Even the much-loved Mayor of Invercargill, Tim Shadbolt, took a cameo
role!
New Zealand Music
New Zealand has a proud musical tradition dating back to the nation’s earliest settlement
by the Maori people. Since British colonisation, the major musical influences have been European
and American. In more recent times, as New Zealand has become more confident about its South
Pacific identity, local artists have increasingly mixed popular international styles with Maori
and the Pacific Island influences, creating a musical blend that is uniquely New Zealand in style.
Each city has its own unique brand of New Zealand music (the ‘Dunedin Sound’ for example, has
become a genre in itself), and picking up a CD here and there will give visitors an excellent
insight into the character of their destination.
New Zealand music is widely played on popular radio, and visitors can catch live performances at venues ranging from major concert halls to intimate clubs and country pubs all over the country.
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New Zealand books
to read:
In a Fishbone Church - Catherine Chidgey
Jerusalem Sonnets - James K Baxter
No Ordinary Sun - Hone Tuwhare
Once Were Warriors - Alan Duff
Owls Do Cry - Janet Frame
Penguin History of New Zealand - Michael King
Plumb - Maurice Gee
Tawa - Elizabeth Knox
The Bone People - Keri Hulme
The Book of Fame - Lloyd Jones
The Garden Party - Katherine Mansfield
The God Boy - Ian Cross
The Haunting - Margaret Mahy
Tomorrow We Save the Orphans - Owen Marshall
Trees, Effigies - Allen Curnow
Whale Rider - Witi Ihimaera 
New Zealand films to watch:
An Angel at My Table - Jane Campion
Heavenly Creatures - Peter Jackson
In My Father’s Den - Brad McGann
Once Were Warriors - Lee Tamahori
Rain - Christine Jeffs
The Piano - Jane Campion
Whale Rider - Niki Caro
Did you Know?
Lonely Planet’s Blue List 06-07 lists New Zealand as one of the
world’s top ten places most like the film for its starring role
in The Lord of the Rings |
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