“I’m shocked!”

It is crazy how different the Indigenous culture is between Melbourne and New Zealand… you wouldn’t think this right? Well let me tell you, the appreciation and acceptance for the Maori population from the kiwis, is a tad more obvious and pronounced than perhaps the Aboriginal acknowledgement here in Australia.

Both nations were colonised in the 18^th century, however, it was the country of sheep and silver ferns, that were able to keep and maintain a prominence for their Indigenous population.

What country’s native language is considered official? New Zealand.

What country’s indigenous population has a greater influence on political decisions? New Zealand.

(https://www.quora.com/In-what-ways-are-New-Zealanders-and-Australians-different)

And finally, what country’s schools specifically teach about their indigenous language and culture? You guessed it… New Zealand.

Just in case you forgot, Australia displays essentially none of these characteristics, where the hundreds of different varieties of Aboriginal language, are not greatly recognised and taught widely, across the nation.

This is only a mere touch on this sense of the prominent culture within New Zealand, however I think we can all agree that this is a clear distinction between the two nations.

It is key to embrace this difference if and when visiting our neighbouring country, where this ‘cultural shock’ should be welcomed. Perhaps this initial shock or confusion is a good thing, where this this greater appreciation of the native owners should be idolised.