General Life Things about New Zealand

In case you wanted to know even moreeeee about New Zealand, here are my observations on general things such as its weather, sports, television etc.

The Weather

The weather in many towns/cities in NZ was, unpredictable. And all Kiwi’s knew it. No matter what the weather man said, no matter how the sky was set up* (T*:”Looked”), the weather seemed to pass through three different stages of menopause, before it settled itself each day.

Their weather patterns are so dynamic and are affected by things like the antarctic (yes that’s a thing!), I felt like Kiwis were forever unfazed but always prepared for any drastic changes the weather may cause to their day.

However, for my Caribbean self though, this was no good.

I was used to the 98% guarantee of sunshine (outside of hurricane season) and wearing slippers, shorts and a shirt all day everyday. A place where if someone asked “What’s the weather?”, it was almost comical ’cause it was practically the same everyday. So, I had a bit of adjusting to do.

For NZ, don’t get me wrong, sometimes it would be sunny when it said it would be sunny. But, you had to be prepared for the weather whenever you were leaving the house. ‘Walk wid ya tings dem’* because you would regret it if ya don’t. (T*: “Bring your things with you”)

Television

New Zealand has its own television.

Like, television stations, shows, movies, commercials. You name it. There were the standard soap operas that everyone grew up watching – “Shortland Street” (the Grey’s Anatomy of NZ) and even Police chase shows. Their indigenous people have a network too! There’s an entire Maori television that brings over majority of its shows and news in Te Reo Maori (their language), and caters to that audience.

There were also some Australian and British television shows that aired too. I could see the small vs big country influence/dynamic play out there which was interesting to see.

All in all though, the whole thing stood out to me because, growing up in the Caribbean, I was used to our television being all American, minus one or two local stations. I never really had to think about the fact that there’s a world outside of Disney channel and CNN in different countries. Shameful, I know. But it’s little things like this that travel makes you realize – and I love it.

Sports

Huge in New Zealand. No doubt about it. Definitely a big sporting community.

How do I know? It’s all over their news – how their rugby team and leagues are performing MUST be aired each evening (Rugby Union is the most popular sport in the country – and cricket). The commercials, whether it’s KFC selling chicken or banking, some famous sports player(s) was always involved.

Another thing I noticed was their professional sport teams share a particular New Zealand type of branding. The country’s national symbols along with the colours black, white and silver were intertwined to create each team name and I found it too cute.

To prove my point, here’s a short list:

And a few more….

• Female Cricket Team – White Ferns
• Female Rugby – Black Ferns
• Male Football – All Whites
• Female Hockey – Black Sticks

Dem well coordinate*. (T*: “They are well coordinated”)

Weather & Sports

Kiwis are extremely sporty and outdoorsy people. Therefore, they planned and participated in many outdoor activities – camping, marathons, dirt bike races etc. etc.

But memba* (T*:”Remember”) when I said the weather was unpredictable?

Lemme tell you, rain, shine or COLD, they STILL hosted the sporting event! From small kids sporting tournaments to large cycling races. People still bout to run that marathon even if rain falling hard hard. They were still going to compete even if breeze blow dem way* (T*:”Even if the breeze blew them away). There’s a certain form of resilience that comes from that, I must say.

Needless to say, weather na stop dem* (T*: “The weather would not stop them”).

🎼 No rain can spoil this last jam, no sun can stop dis one 🎼

New Zealand & its resemblance to Jamaica

• 

• 

New Zealanders remind me of Jamiacans. In a way. Kinda.

Now waiittttttt. Hear me out na mannnnn*. (T*:”Listen to me, please”)

Here’s how I think they’re similar in some ways:

New Zealand is a small country – two islands, but only about 4 million people make up its population. It’s a beautiful country though and its people know it.

They’re located in the middle of nowhere *cough cough* I mean, in the pacific. Dey far* (T*:”They’re far”).

Yet, they’ve managed and continue to manage to keep their name on the world stage. They keep giving people a reason for their country’s name to be in people’s mouths* (T*: “for people to make mention of the country”).

What are some ways they do it? Sports. Athletes. Talent.

They let the world know who they are and are proud of it. A small country, with plenty talent.

And that’s how I feel about Jamaica.

EVERYONE knows/has heard of Jamaica. From the mountain tops in Switzerland to the small islands in the pacific ocean.

Me: “You know Jamaica?
Them: “Yeah mon”.

Jamaica is popular. Internationally. It isn’t only because their people live in just about every country in the world jk 😁 (a theory of mine I’d like to prove lol).

It’s because their people are great. The country continuously produces a high rate of talent from such a relatively small population (2.9 million) that’s unbelievable.

And they know it. Nobody proud like a Jamaican. If it’s one thing they know and won’t ever hesitate to do is represent for their country.

In sports, music, in the kitchen with jerk chicken and so much more. 

And iffffffffff da country pretty one more time* (T*:”And the country is beautiful”)

Something about that country breeds special people, and I think New Zealand has a lil dose of it too.

Nonetheless, these are my subjective observations on some general aspects of New Zealand that stuck out to me. (I had a lot of time to write and reflect. Can you tell? 😁)

Till next time yall!

Yours truly,

Global Gyal