New Zealand’s population is just over 5.5 million people, predominately on two main islands: North Island and South Island, yet technically it is made up of over 600 islands. Besides New Zealand’s beautiful landscape, I felt a beauty in their heart. I say this because there was recognition of Māori language in signage throughout the country and an appreciation of wild land and wild life.

To take one example, we stopped at a bird sanctuary. Notice the languages on the sign:

Punanga Manu o Te Anau … Te Anua Bird Sanctuary … has the only surviving population of takahē, a flightless bird once thought extinct. They were rediscovered in 1948 in the Murchison Mountains nearby. The once captive breeding program hand-reared the chicks; however, now eggs are left on the nest for the adult takahēs to rear. 

New Zealand’s goal is to be predator-free of rats, stoats and possums by 2050. Currently they have more than 110 predator-free islands so native species can thrive. Unfortunately it was human-introduced pests that preyed on the island’s wildlife causing some to go extinct. Now New Zealand works to get its native wildlife back by 2050.

I also appreciate the effort by New Zealanders to include Māori language on signage throughout the islands. While this may seem a small thing, Māori are the second largest ethnic group in the country, at almost 18%, and deserve recognition, especially as travelers visit the country. I understand efforts continue to acknowledge the history of this country as we, in the USA, have similar work to complete with our Native Americans. May the work continue to save and respect wild and human life.