Culture
New Zealand is a member of the British Commonwealth (along with Australia, Canada and 51 other countries). New Zealand is also a supporting member of international organisations including the OECD, UNESCO and WHO, and also supports international agreements such as the Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol and Ozone Layer Protection. New Zealand is a modern parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster cabinet system. Queen Elizabteh II is the Head of State - she is represented by a non-partisan Governor-General. The Queen’s role is essentially symbolic and political power is held by the democratically elected Parliament of New Zealand, under the leadership of a Prime Minister, who is the head of government.
New Zealand holds a strong profile on enviormental protection, human rights and free trade, particulary in agriculture. 70% of electricity in New Zealand is generated with renewable energy, primarily hydropower and geothermal power.
New Zealand is strong supporter of equal opportunities and diversity with over 23% of the overall New Zealand population born overseas, which is one of the highest rates in the world.
The ethnicity of New Zealand is predominantly composed of Europeans, indigenous Māori, Asian, and Pacific peoples.
New Zealander's are also frequently refered to as "Kiwis", which has become slang for a New Zealander - named after the native flightless bird, the Kiwi.
Though the population of New Zealand is predominently European, New Zealand also honours traditional Māori culture. In traditional Māori society, individuals live primarily within the whanau (family). Families combine to form hapu (subtribes). The largest groups are called iwi (tribes). There are 79 traditional tribal locations throughout New Zealand, with each iwi being headed by rangatira (chiefs). The Māori way of life is based on cooperation, loyalty, pride and respect, and is centred on the marae, an area of land with a meeting house adorned with stylised carvings of tribal ancestors.