New Zealander Proverbs

Sayings of New Zealander origin

It may only be a small storm yet a successful outcome is imminent.

In this world I greet my oldest survivor — the earth.

Walk in the valley of our ancestors, learn of the history, and marvel at the beauty.

A little axe, when well used, brings lots of food.

Survival is the treasured goal.

Don’t lean on your fellow men — theirs is an ever moving support.

Let us keep close together, not far apart.

When one chief falls, another one rises.

Boast during the day; be humble at night.

Only the foolish visit the land of the cannibals.

Let us hurry and finish up the food; when visitors arrive, the meal will be over.

Who lives in a quiet house has plenty.

Take time to enjoy life’s roses.

A hand that is ready to hit may cause you great trouble.

Even food can attack.

There is more than one way to achieve a goal.

Be quick to follow up an advantage.

A warrior dies in battle; a mountain climber on the rocks, but a farmer dies of old age.

A house full of people is a house full of different points of view.

Can I pull down the sun with a forked stick, or prevent it from running its course?

The block of wood should not dictate to the carver.

The land is a mother that never dies.

Persist as resolutely as you persist in eating.

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.

Many stars cannot be concealed by a small cloud.

Never spend time with people who don’t respect you.

Hold on tight to the words of your ancestors.

Old canoes can be restored, but youth and beauty cannot.

In peace be faithful; in war be valiant.

The prudent embark when the sea is calm — the rash when it’s stormy.

Don’t spend time with people who don’t respect you.

The more you ask how much longer it will take, the longer the journey will seem.

Let someone else sing your praise.

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses – that of the North Island, and the South Island and numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long isolation, New Zealand developed a distinctive biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country’s varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions.

English is the predominant language in New Zealand, spoken by 98 percent of the population. New Zealand English is similar to Australian English and many speakers from the Northern Hemisphere are unable to tell the accents apart.
Wellington is the capital city and second most populous urban area of New Zealand, with 393,600 residents. It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It is the major population centre of the southern North Island, and is the administrative centre of the Wellington Region, which also includes the Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa. Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital city of a sovereign state.Auckland is the most populous city in New Zealand.(An excerpt from Wikipedia)

“God Defend New Zealand” is one of two national anthems of New Zealand, the other being “God Save the Queen”. Legally they have equal status, but “God Defend New Zealand” is more commonly used, and is widely albeit incorrectly referred to as “the national anthem”.

God Defend New Zealandl Anthem Lyrics

God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific’s triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.