New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa, is a country that embraces a diverse range of cultures. This beautiful nation is known for its stunning landscape, breathtaking scenery, and friendly people. But what sets New Zealand apart from the rest is its inclusive global culture.
New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. The land offers everyone equal opportunities to express themselves, irrespective of their gender, race, or religion. This perhaps explains why New Zealand is considered the second most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. Let’s delve deeper into New Zealand’s inclusive global culture.
Ethnic Diversity
New Zealand is home to a diverse population comprising of Maori, Pacific Islanders, and immigrants from around the globe. The Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous people, constitute about 16.5% of the population. This means that Maori culture has been integrated into the country’s identity. Maori language, food, music, and traditional practices are widely observed across the country.
Pacific Islanders, who make up about 8% of New Zealand’s population, also play an important role in the country’s cultural landscape. These include New Zealanders of Fijian, Samoan, Cook Island and Tongan descent among others. In addition, various ethnic groups have been embraced, and immigrant communities now hold their cultural festivals and events regularly.
Religious Inclusivity
New Zealand is a secular country with no official religion. The country’s Bill of Rights Act 1990 guarantees freedom of religion. This means that New Zealanders can worship any religion freely without discrimination.
Moreover, New Zealand’s government recognizes religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and the Islamic month of Ramadan. The country offers special services for different religious communities, such as halal and kosher food.
Gender Equality
New Zealand is ranked first in the world in gender equality according to the 2021 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report. The country has a female Prime Minister and a majority of women are actively involved in politics. Additionally, women hold various leadership positions in both private and public sectors.
New Zealand also provides certain government-supported services for women, such as free cervical and breast cancer screening. This supports women’s health and ensures equitable healthcare access.
Conclusion
New Zealand has truly embraced an inclusive global culture. This means different identities can thrive and may coexist in a peaceful atmosphere. The country’s diverse population, ethnic and religious inclusivity, and gender equality are just some of the aspects of this culture. New Zealand should serve as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world that we can all strive to create a world that is inclusive.
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