Random Country of the Week: New Zealand

By Brian Englesma

Sup fools? This week I’ve got yet another random country for you, this time we voyage to a magical and mythical land known as New Zealand. Now I know what some of you must be thinking, that New Zealand isn’t very random. I tend to disagree, New Zealand is constantly overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, Australia, and although it is a modern, wealthy society, it’s pretty far off the beaten path. For these reasons I find New Zealand to be random, although I doubt it’s going to win many most random country contests.

Named after the Dutch province of Zeeland, the first European to spot New Zealand was Abel Janszoon Tasman in 1642. Tasman met with hostility by the local Maori, who eventually killed several members of Abel’s crew. Surprisingly no Europeans visited the island again until Captain James Cook’s voyage of 1768-71.

After Cook’s voyage what is now New Zealand was claimed by the Brits, who suffered a significant amount of trouble in coexisting with the local Maori population. New Zealand became a Dominion of the British Crown in 1907, and achieved full independence in 1947, although the United Kingdom had ceased to direct control over the nation some time before that.

Throughout much of New Zealand’s history social problems have existed between the indigenous population and the European settlers. Protests by the local Maori increased throughout the 1970′s seeking to increase recognition of Maori culture.

The nation enjoys a relatively high standard of living and economic well being, mostly due to its close relationship to the United Kingdom. New Zealand’s more than 4 million people have a per capita GNP of more than 30,000 dollars. Its economy is heavily dependant on free trade and services, which together make up the vast majority of economic output.

By far the most noticeable thing about New Zealand has got to be its role in international films, particularly the smash hit Lord of the Rings series. As you may know, famed director Peter Jackson was born and raised in the country. Filming for the smash hit motion picture series—which featured such big time Hollywood stars as Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Sir Ian McKellan and Viggo Mortenson—took place all over the country.

Other major motion pictures filmed in New Zealand include Bridge to Terabithia, and the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It’s easy to see why New Zealand is such a popular choice for motion pictures, both the North and South Island (the official names of New Zealand’s main two islands) contain a varied landscape, ranging from picturesque woodlands to sweeping mountains.

Is New Zealand the most random country out there? No, not really. But it is random. Its history is actually quite boring and monotonous, as is just about everything else that has to do with this country. It’s quite “vanilla,” not excelling at much of anything aside from having films shot there and having a good rugby team. To me, that makes it random, despite its comparative wealth and well being.