12. Miscellaneous Facts About New Zealand
New Zealand fought on the side of the Allies in both world wars. New Zealanders
do not miss a chance to remind foreigners of one generally little known fact that their country's contribution to the fight against Nazi Germany was the greatest of all the former British dominions.
In 1951 New Zealand signed the ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand, the United
States) Treaty of Mutual Security. At the same time, awareness of the need for an independent foreign policy began to grow in New Zealand.
In 1986 the ANZUS defence alliance ended because New Zealand refused to allow the US ships with nuclear weapons to enter and to use its ports. The remoteness of New Zealand no longer protects it from the problems that beset the world affairs.
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In
1974 New Zealand joined several countries in the Asian region in
opposing the
US plan to expand its military base in this area. The people of New Zealand advocate the idea of the South Pacific Ocean as a zone of peace, nuclear-free.
With the appearance of the new independent states in the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia have begun to play the role of dominant powers in this area.
The beginning of the 21st century is noted for the growth of tourism in New
Zealand, which is mainly caused by the world known movie trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" (based on the book by Tolkien) as it is in New Zealand that the films were made and shot.
13. The Popular Symbols
The Kiwi is a little bird with no tail and almost no wings, so it can't fly. New
Zealanders associate themselves with this bird and even call themselves "kiwi".
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The
Kiwifruit
is a national fruit of New Zealand though its motherland is China.
Today it is exported under the trademark "Zespri".
The Buzzy Bee is a bright red and yellow toy, producing a specific noise
while moving. It has become part of the kiwi culture.
Rugby is the most poplar game in New Zealand. The name of the national
team is "All Blacks". It is one of the best teams in the world.
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"Pavlova
cake"
is named after the famous Russian ballet dancer, who in 1926
made a tour around New Zealand. This cake is the perfect desert because it is fat free. It is one of the New Zealand best recipes. This is pure heaven with fresh fruit
piled on top with whipped cream.
Paua Shells (Пава Ракушки) have long been used by Maori for carving.
Various decorations can be found in the souvenir shops of Nez Zealand.
"Edmonds" Cookbook. Every family in New Zealand is believed to have this
cookbook at home. It was first published in 1907 and has become the most
popular book with a print run of 3.5 million copies.
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L&P
is a national drink made of lemon and a mixture of local mineral
waters.
It was first made in 1904 and is still popular.
Pohutukawa is a tree and a flower. This tree's red flowers bloom around
Christmas, the tree is called "the New Zealand Christmas Tree".
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