What about Americans?

Jen77 · #1 (**permalink**) 7th June 2009, 02:55 AM

I was reading a post on here about dimscrination against Brits. But how is discrimination in New Zealand as far as for the Americans? I'm from the U.S. and didn't have any problems when I was traveling across New Zealand. I wasn't discrimated against: it was more like the New Zealanders were suprised that I was American. I met very few Americans during my travels in NZ.

I worked for a conservation program and was mainly living with British people who were on holiday. So I was actually with the British more than New Zealanders. I didn't have any discrimination with them; but I did clear the air with them because they first had the impression Americans don't like the British and that's not the case.

I've met many people from the UK as well as Asian countries. A few Canadians and even less Americans. Are there just not that many American expats in New Zealand? What is the perception of Americans over in NZ? Thanks.

topcat83 · #2 (**permalink**) 7th June 2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen77

I was reading a post on here about dimscrination against Brits. But how is discrimination in New Zealand as far as for the Americans?

Don't worry, Jen, just pretend you're a Canadian and you'll be fine

Seriously, I don't think you'll have a problem We have a couple of Americans in our social group, and they have had no problem over here.

I guess most people are surprised when they find an American who chooses to stay as they think that they'll miss all the 'conveniences' of American life (there are fewer TV dinners in the supermarkets

). But I think they're also pleased that someone has chosen to live in their beautiful country over another.

fritzie · #3 (**permalink**) 9th June 2009, 07:12 AM

Most Kiwis are descended from foreigners anyway, right?

At least you don't have to struggle with learning a language.

kiwimum · #4 (**permalink**) 9th June 2009, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen77

I was reading a post on here about dimscrination against Brits. But how is discrimination in New Zealand as far as for the Americans? I'm from the U.S. and didn't have any problems when I was traveling across New Zealand. I wasn't discrimated against: it was more like the New Zealanders were suprised that I was American. I met very few Americans during my travels in NZ.

I worked for a conservation program and was mainly living with British people who were on holiday. So I was actually with the British more than New Zealanders. I didn't have any discrimination with them; but I did clear the air with them because they first had the impression Americans don't like the British and that's not the case.

I've met many people from the UK as well as Asian countries. A few Canadians and even less Americans. Are there just not that many American expats in New Zealand? What is the perception of Americans over in NZ? Thanks.

Hi
I am a New Zealander. Don't really know why people were surprised to have an American there. Maybe it was the area you were in. New Zealanders are used to all nationalities visiting, relocating etc. Don't think we discriminate against anyone really but I would have to say as a general observation we have a problem with the amount of Asians allowed to immigrate into our country. Like any culture, I guess you tend to generalise nationalities and Americans are thought to be a bit self important, the whole, we come from the greatest nation in the world sort of thing. I have found that to be the case in most countries I have visited when it comes to Americans. Not my opinion, but only what I have observed. As for the comment here from someone about most New Zealanders descending from other races??? I wouldn't want to say that to a Kiwi!! We are a proud country if only small. Most New Zealanders are actually descendants of our native race. Sometimes a long way back but is usually in there somewhere. We probably have more discrimination against each other than people from other countries!

fritzie · #5 (**permalink**) 10th June 2009, 09:40 AM

Really? Are you sure that most NZers descend from indigenous peoples?

according to wikipedia:

Quote:

New Zealand has a population of about 4.3 million,[iv] of which approximately 78% identify with European ethnic groups. New Zealanders of European descent are collectively known as Pākehā; this term generally refers to New Zealanders of European descent but some Māori use it to refer to all non-Māori New Zealanders.[58] Most European New Zealanders are of British and Irish ancestry, although there has been significant Dutch, Dalmatian,[59] Italian, and German immigration together with indirect European immigration through Australia, North America, South America and South Africa.[60] According to the 2001 census projections, by 2021 European children will make up 63% of all New Zealand children, compared with 74% in 2001.

kiwimum · #6 (**permalink**) 10th June 2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fritzie

Really? Are you sure that most NZers descend from indigenous peoples?

according to wikipedia:

Well, mister smarty pants, what I meant was whether they originaly came from foreign shores many years ago, many had mixed marraiges and children with Maoris out of their own marraiges, not to mention the unlawful sex they engaged in with the natives as they were known!! Alot of NZ's register themselves as Europeans on the electoral role and census forms, if they bother to fill these out that is. They do this even if they know they have Maori descent( alot are not happy to admit this if they do due to family shame). I am a Maori descendant mixed with Scottish but it is so far back, I am happy to register as a European. I do know who my Iwi are and my Whakapapa. I also know and are registered with my Whanaus Marae. Maybe you better refer to Wikipdedia for these terms and meanings!! New Zealand is trying to encourage it's citizens to acknowledge and register their Maori/European desendants but it is difficult when you have a country divided because of racial tensions due to land claims.
My point to you is only this, quotes from statistics in Wikipedia do not show the true history of a countries citizens when Europeans invaded and took advantage of that countries native race. This applies to most countries in the world.

King Silk · #7 (**permalink**) 10th June 2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiwimum

Well, mister smarty pants, what I meant was whether they originaly came from foreign shores many years ago, many had mixed marraiges and children with Maoris out of their own marraiges, not to mention the unlawful sex they engaged in with the natives as they were known!! Alot of NZ's register themselves as Europeans on the electoral role and census forms, if they bother to fill these out that is. They do this even if they know they have Maori descent( alot are not happy to admit this if they do due to family shame). I am a Maori descendant mixed with Scottish but it is so far back, I am happy to register as a European. I do know who my Iwi are and my Whakapapa. I also know and are registered with my Whanaus Marae. Maybe you better refer to Wikipdedia for these terms and meanings!! New Zealand is trying to encourage it's citizens to acknowledge and register their Maori/European desendants but it is difficult when you have a country divided because of racial tensions due to land claims.
My point to you is only this, quotes from statistics in Wikipedia do not show the true history of a countries citizens when Europeans invaded and took advantage of that countries native race. This applies to most countries in the world.

Kindly refrain from using such bad language as 'Smarty Pants' in future !