Speech

Why Aotearoa New zealand is the best country in the world ?

Kia ora In my opinion Aotearoa which most people know as New zealand is the best country in the world and I am going to tell you why.

There are many  particular species of Animals and sea creatures that other countries do not have which are special and unique to our country..

For example Kiwi,Pukeko,Kea,Hector dolphins,mud fish, long-finned eels and many more.

Kiwi, in particular are special to New Zealand but sadly they are one of the endangered species of Aotearoa. Did you know they have feathers that feel like hair? In times gone by the kiwi were valued by the Maori for their meat to eat and their beautiful feathers were sought after for cloaks.  Yet another thing that is special about the kiwi is that they are flightless.  Unfortunately that means that they are easy targets for predators.  If you are lucky you may  find one in native forests and scrub.  However, it is easier nowadays to see them in captivity at the zoo. Did you know that kiwis have the shortest beak in the world?? Its because their nostrils are actually at the tip of their beak! Before I move on and while we’re talking about the kiwi, New Zealanders are also fondly known as Kiwis by the wider world!

  

Yet another reason New Zealand is the best country in the world is because of our Maori heritage.  It is very interesting and people travel from all around the world to experience our culture.   Our native language is Maori which is taught throughout New Zealand. After Aotearoa was colonised English became our first language but I think the Maori language is going to be compulsory in schools in the near future. Maori is actually easier to pronounce and spell than english. Our indigenous people are so unique.  There’s the language, kapa haka and waiata, the kai, the weaving, carving, moko, and the many traditions that have survived for hundreds of years.  My favourite is the poi!

NZ is recognised as two small islands joined by the cook straight, also known as the land of the long white cloud.  We have so gorgeous coastlines to explore, our beaches are the best and to top it off we have unbelievable mountains for those who like skiing, snowboarding and snow fights.  We’re also famous for our great rugby team the All blacks. Our national rugby team the All blacks go all around the world to compete. They are the only team to have been World Champions twice. 

We are well known for our clean green image.  If you didn't know our country is very unpolluted unlike other countries such as India , Mongolia and Bangladesh.  Many countries around the world are very polluted. There are plastic bags flying everywhere and there is an abundance of plastic floating in the sea killing lots of sea animals such as turtles sharks,tropical fish,dolphins,whales and lots more. Also, did you know that NZ is nuclear free which makes us only one of a few countries left in the world that say no to nuclear power on our whenua.  This makes me proud and I hope that we remain nuke free forever.

Famous film producers come to film movies set in our stunning countryside such as our own Peter Jackson who directed the sensational trilogy “lord of the Rings” and also the “Hobbit”. Fans from all over the world flock to Matamata in central north island to visit Hobbiton which is the original set for the movie “The Hobbit”. 

There is a track called the crunchy bar in Ahipara where you have to do four wheel driving.  Everything ends up muddy and you have to try your best not break your truck or get stuck in the wash outs because it’s a long walk home and there’s no cell phone reception!  Also our beaches in Te Ika a Maui are spectacular, especially Maitai Bay, 90 Mile Beach, Rangiputa and my favourite Tapotupotu.  We have such a great lifestyle and I just can’t imagine living anywhere else.  Our family go freedom camping when we feel like it and we can take the dogs and sometimes make a little fire. There aren’t many places in the world you can do that! 

Did you know we are also the first country to see the rising sun.  That’s pretty special don’t you think?! If you didn't know there are also a variety of sun sets that are very beautiful and colorful.The sun sets at 90 mile beach on the west coast are something to see. you can see all the colors gleaming across the horizon and someone told me that sometimes there is even a green flash before the sun disappears.  I’m still hoping to see it!

Here’s yet another thing about New Zealand that I love.  Our people!  They have wonderful personalities.  They are kind , loving, thoughtful and help out others.

I hope you enjoyed my speech and like me consider New zealand the best country in the world.