New Zealand Flashcards

1
Q

Describe New Zealand.

A

New Zealand is a remote, mountainous group of islands in the south-eastern Pacific Ocean. The two main islands, the North and South Islands, are separated by the Cook Strait. Australia, its nearest neighbor, is 1,000 miles(1600 kilometers) away.

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2
Q

How many years ago the island was created?

A

23 million years ago

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3
Q

What are the geographical features in New Zealand?

A

Active volcanoes, cascading glaciers, vast mountain ranges, and crystal clear and serene lakes are the geographical features in New Zealand.

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4
Q

Which films were shooted in New Zealand?

A

“Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit” trilogy were shooted in New Zealand.

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5
Q

How many volcanoes does New Zealand have?

A

New Zealand has more than 50 volcanoes, some of which are still active today.

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6
Q

Which is the tallest mountain on North Island?

A

Mount Ruapehu (2797 m) is tallest North Island mountain. It is also an active cone volcano.

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7
Q

What dominates the South Island ?

A

Southern Alps dominates the South Island.

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8
Q

What are the other glaciers in South Island?

A

Fox glacier and Franz Joseph

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9
Q

Which is the highest mountain peak of New Zealand?

A

Mount Cook is the highest mountain peak of New Zealand which rises to 12316 feet(3,754 meters) and is called “Cloud Piercer” by the Maori people.

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10
Q

How many peaks are there in South Island?

A

There are 18 peaks of more than 3000 meters in the South Island.

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11
Q

Which is the largest glacier in South Island?

A

Tasman glacier is the largest glacier in South Island.

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12
Q

Where does Stewart Island lie?

A

Stewart island lies about 25km from South Island from which it is separated by Foveaux Strait, this nowhere more than 48m deep.

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13
Q

Why does New Zealand has great number of rivers?

A

New Zealand has great number of rivers because of high rainfall and snow in many parts of the country.

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14
Q

Which are the famous waterfall and longest river in New Zealand?

A

Huka Falls is the famous waterfall

The Waikato river is the longest river with an extent of 425 km.

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15
Q

Which is the longest navigable river in the country?

A

The Whangui is the longest navigable river in the country.

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16
Q

Describe Fiordland National Park and its location?

A

Fiordland National Park is located in the south-west corner of the South Island. It is a vast mountainous wilderness which has many swift rivers and thousands of waterfalls.

17
Q

What is special about the water in Fiordland National Park?

A

The water here is reputedly the freshest in the world. In fact, rivers and waterfalls are so numerous here that fresh water accounts for up to the first 10 meters of water in the fiords with seawater below.

18
Q

What is New Zealand’s topography? Describe it.

A

The country has a long coastline with some of the most extensive marine resources. The unique and distinctive diversity in animal and plant life is also promising. Preserving these resources in one of the best ways is often the primary aim of different organizations. The country has a diverse typography.

19
Q

What is the situation of birds in New Zealand? Explain it.

A

In the last 1000 years, half of all animals on the islands have become extinct. Deforestation and draining of swampland are also threatening many remaining species, including the kiwi bird. Fewer than 75,000 wild kiwis remain. Several species are recovering, including the kakapo, kokako, kiwi, and tuatara. Bats are the only mammals to have made the ocean crossing.

20
Q

What is insect Weta? Describe it.

A

Weta is an insect, that evolved to fill the gap of mammals on the island. The giant Weta, at 2.5 ounces (70 grams), weighs three times more than a mouse. It is relative to crickets and is considered one of the world’s heaviest insects.

21
Q

What about the aquatic life in New Zealand?

A

Pilot and humpback whales visit the islands on their way to breed, and orcas come to feed on dolphins.

22
Q

From where did the Maori people arrive in New Zealand? When did they arrive in New Zealand?

A

The Maori people arrived by canoe from islands in Polynesia near Tahiti around 1,000 A.D.

23
Q

Who was Abel Tasman?

A

Abel Tasman was a Dutch explorer, who visited the islands in the 1600s but his party left after being attacked.

24
Q

How did the British come to New Zealand? What they did do?

A

In 1769, Captain James Cook came to the islands. The British established settlements and signed a treaty with the Maori in 1840. The Maori protested the treaty after their lands were seized, and in the 1860s, they began a 12-year war against the British for control of North Island. Peace was restored to the islands in the 1870s.

25
Q

What did New Zealand do for women?

A

In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote.

26
Q

When did New Zealand become a dominion of Britain?

A

1907

27
Q

When did New Zealand gain its independence from Britain?

A

1947

28
Q

What does New Zealand’s flag represent?

A

Its royal blue background is derived from the ensign of the Blue Squadron of the Royal Navy. The Stars of the Southern Cross emphasize the country’s location in the South Pacific Ocean.

29
Q

Explain New Zealand’s government.

A

New Zealand’s government is based on the parliament democracy based on the system used in Britain. There are 122 seats in the House of Representatives and each is elected for a three-year term, Seven seats are reserved for the Maori and they are chosen by Maori voters. There are two main parties in the government- National and Labour. The leader of the party is the Prime Minister. The British monarch is the formal head of state and is represented by a governor-general appointed by the monarch.

30
Q

What was the women’s movement? Name some female Prime ministers and from which part they were from?

A

The women’s movement of the 1970s and 80s, however, led an increasing number of women to enter the mainstream political local arena, and by the 21st century, New Zealand had a notably high rate of female representation in national office. The country’s female prime minister, National Party leader Jennifer Shipley, held office from 1997 to 1999. She was succeeded by Labour Leader Helen Clark (1999-2008). The current prime minister is, Jacinda Ardern, of the Labour Party.

31
Q

Describe the security of New Zealand.

A

The country remains a relatively small military force, with an army and a small naval fleet. The military is deployed overseas mainly in peacekeeping forces. Law enforcement is the responsibility of New Zealand.

32
Q

What is the age limit to participate in the New Zealand Defense Force?

A

17 years is the age limit to participate in the New Zealand Defence Force.

33
Q

Explain the economy of New Zealand.

A

The economy of New Zealand is a highly developed free-market economy. New Zealand is rich in natural resources, with the country’s top industries including agriculture, dairy, forestry, fishing, mining, and tourism. In fact, New Zealand is the world’s largest exporter of whole milk powder. Tourism is an important industry in New Zealand with over two million visitors a year. The main exports are lamb, butter, kiwifruit, and wine.

34
Q

Give brief information about pensions in New Zealand.

A

Non-contributory old-age pensions paid from government revenues were introduced in 1898. Pensions for widows and miners followed soon after, and child allowances were introduced in the 1920s. In 1938 the New Zealand government introduced what was then the most extensive system of pensions and welfare in the world, which included free hospital treatment, free pharmaceutical service, and heavily subsidized treatment by medical practitioners.

35
Q

Explain New Zealand’s cultural life.

A

New Zealand’s cultural influences are predominanatly European and Maori. Immigrant groups have generally tended to assimilate into the European lifestyle, although traditional customs are still followed by many Tongans, Samoans, and other Pacific peoples.

36
Q

Explain the Maori culture.

A

The Maori culture has seen a renaissance in wood carving, weaving, and the construction of carved and decorated meeting houses (whare whakiro). Maori waiata (songs) and dances have become increasingly popular, especially among the young. Maori meetings - whether hui (assemblies) or tangi (funeral gatherings) - are conducted in a traditional fashion, with ancient greeting ceremonies strictly observed.

37
Q

Explain how New Zealand cuisine is influenced by immigrants.

A

New Zealand cuisine has also been influenced by the foods of immigrants and the expectations of international tourists. It was originally a combination of traditional British dishes with local delicacies. Fresh seafood was popular along the coasts; mutton, venison, and meat pies were common. Pavlovs, a sweet meringue dish, was and remains a popular dessert.

38
Q

What is the major sport played in New Zealand?

A

Rugby football

39
Q

What was hosted in 1987 in New Zealand? What was the result?

A

The inaugural World Cup of rugby, which New Zealand cohosted in 1987, was won by the country’s national team, the All Blacks.