The People

Almost 80 percent of the people are of European—mostly British—descent. Foreign-born make up 20 percent, and 15 per cent are Maoris, of Polynesian origin. About 75 per cent of the people, including almost all of the Maoris, live on the North Island. The population density of New Zealand is about 36 persons per square mile (13.8 per km2), less than one-half that of the United States. More than 85 percent of the people live in urban areas.

The language of New Zealand is English. Maoris also speak Maori, a Malayo-Polynesian language.

There is no official religion in New Zealand, but Christianity is predominant. Anglicans make up about one-third of the population, followed in number by Presbyterians and Roman Catholics. Other denominations include the Methodist, Baptist, and Congregational churches, and the Churches of Christ. More than half of the Maoris are Christians.

Public school education in New Zealand is free from age 5 to age 19 and school attendance is compulsory from age 6 to age 15. Kindergartens and play centers, which children may attend without charge at age three, receive government subsidies. Universities depend largely on financial support from the state, but are controlled by independent councils.

The primary course is six years, followed by a two-year intermediate course. Secondary education may be from three to six years long. Financial aid is given to those obliged to live away from home while attending secondary school.

All the universities in New Zealand are supported by the government. They include Auckland; Waikato, at Hamilton; Victoria of Wellington; Massey, at Palmerston North; Canterbury, including the formerly separate Lincoln College of Agriculture, at Christchurch; and Otago, at Dunedin. Allowances are given university students on the basis of achievement, and boarding allowances are also available. There are also several institutes of technology and community colleges in New Zealand.

Most Maori children receive their educations in the regular school system. There are also special primary schools and district high schools for Maoris. Private church schools for Maoris receive government subsidies.

Early cultural development in New Zealand was largely confined to scientific research. Sir Julius von Haast and James Hector, geologists, and Frederick W. Hutton, biologist, were foremost among scientists who made New Zealand their special field of study. The Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington and Hocken Library in Dunedin have outstanding Pacific and New Zealand collections.

Although the English author Samuel Butler began his writing career while operating a sheep station (ranch) in New Zealand, native writers and artists of the 19th century went abroad, mainly to Britain, to establish careers. In the 20th century, however, a New Zealand literature developed. Among the early authors were William Satchell, F.O.V. Acheson, and Jane Mander. Fiction writing developed from the 1930's. Of notable New Zealand authors, Frank Sargeson is often considered foremost. Allen Curnow, New Zealand's most acclaimed poet, became prominent in the 1940's and 1950's.

State aid to the arts was begun in 1947 under Prime Minister Peter Fraser. Government grants are made to authors and publishers; the New Zealand Opera and Ballet companies; the Federation of Chamber Music Societies, largest organization of its type in the Southern Hemisphere; and to various orchestral, choral, and art organizations. The national arts council commissions and purchases works of art, subsidizes exhibitions, and gives training awards to young musicians and artists. The National Museum and the National Art Gallery in Wellington receive substantial government subsidies.

Organized amateur sport is the predominant recreational activity in New Zealand. Every community has its sports clubs, and every sport or game has its national governing body composed of district associations. Favorite sports are rugby football, cricket, bowls (lawn bowling), golf, tennis, and swimming. International rugby is the most popular spectator sport, with horse racing second.