Helpx au French Peak Wines à Akaroa
Un accueil digne des Kiwis au French Peak Wines à Akaroa. Pour en savoir plus sur notre expérience découvrez notre article sur le blog : pour en savoir plus sur le vignoble :
NEW ZEALAND: AKAROA :DILEMMA FOR FRENCH SETTLEMENT VILLAGE
English/Nat
As France and New Zealand bicker over proposed nuclear testing in the South Pacific, a tiny community in New Zealand's island is caught in a dilemma.
Akaroa is the only French settlement in New Zealand, but Paris' decision to resume nuclear testing has divided its 700 inhabitants over their French heritage.
Bank's Peninsula on New Zealand's South Island is an area steeped in French tradition, dating back to the arrival of settlers from France in the first half of the 19th century.
The harbour settlement of Akaroa's old colonial buildings and narrow winding streets, many of them with French names, makes it one of the South Island's most popular tourist attractions.
But President Jacques Chirac's decision to resume nuclear testing in the South Pacific has turned New Zealanders against all things French, even in this French enclave.
The first victim of anti-French sentiments is likely to be the French Festival held each October in Akaroa.
The local arts council has already withdrawn its support from the festival and many shops and businesses are also threatening to pull out.
SOUNDBITE:
My chefs...we're supposed to have a champagne breakfast here...and my staff are totally opposed to it...I'm afraid I've got to listen to what they say...and if they're not happy about doing it...well then we won't be proceeding with our contribution to the French festival.
SUPER CAPTION: Mark Smith - Hotel owner
Anti-French feeling has been shown at the spot where the first settlers arrived.
One night, the tricolor flag was ripped down and the flagpole damaged.
Local baker David Beattie says he's waiting for things to calm down before he restores them.
SOUNDBITE:
We'll put it up in the near future but obviously we're concerned about no additional damage may be done and the anti-French feeling at the moment due to the planned tests.
SUPER CAPTION: David Beattie - Akaroa baker
The village museum contributes to preserving Akaroa's proud French past which records the arrival of the first immigrants, and more recently, a visit by former French Prime Minister Michel Rocard, back in 1991.
The scenes around Akaroa would have supplied infinite inspiration for the great French painters.
Vineyards are found throughout Banks Peninsula's valleys and business is booming.
One of the local entrepreneurs is Lloyd Edwards.
He manages the French farm restaurant and is also organising this year's French festival.
Edwards is determined the festival will go ahead as usual.
SOUNDBITE:
If I was to sum it up, there would probably be 95 percent of people in the area who are very nervous about the resumption of French nuclear testing, but by the same token are very parochial in the sense that they feel the tradition here is a tradition that is unique and not owned by the French government. So from that point of view what we are trying to emphasise is the fact that it's a nuclear free French festival.
SUPER CAPTION: Lloyd Edward - Akaroa French Festival organiser
The wife of a former French ambassador to New Zealand criticised the French president's lack of tact in announcing it would resume the nuclear tests.
SOUNDBITE:
You see, I think Chirac has to go to China to learn diplomacy because the Chinese do not announce it - they just go and do it. They shouldn't do it, but I found that most stupid. Months ahead he has created all that uproar in New Zealand and in Australia.
SUPER CAPTION: Mrs Sunley-Henry, Akaroa resident
Anti-French feelings caused by the resumption of nuclear testing in the South Pacific mean that the only French visitors these days are members of the international press.
SOUNDBITE:
SUPER CAPTION: Patrique Pons, French journalist
You can license this story through AP Archive:
Find out more about AP Archive:
New Zealand South Island road trips: Kaikoura, Punakaiki, Otago, Mackenzie Basin, Akaroa
A documentary written, filmed and edited by Davide Baj & Alastair Robinson featuring:
- Christchurch landscapes and Botanic Gardens
- Kaikoura coastlines
- Kaikoura whale watching excursion: sperm whales, Southern fur seals, albatrosses
- Ohau Stream Walkway and Waterfall with baby fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri)
- Potential threat from plans by Big Oil to build a deep sea rig off the coast of New Zealand
- Woodpecker Bay and Tasman Sea coast
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes in the Paparoa National Park
- Franz Joseph and Fox glaciers
- Keas (Nestor notabilis): the curious and comical alpine parrots
- Curly Tree Whitebait Company: whitebait fritters
- Otago region
- Kawarau Gorge Mining Centre
- Wild Earth Outdoor Kitchen & Cellar Door
- Gibbston Valley Cheesery
- Lake Pukaki with view of mount Cook
- Lake Tekapo
- Mount John University Observatory
- Banks Peninsula: Akaroa village
- Black Cat Cruises voyage: Hector's Dolphins, seals and birds
Road trip in the South Island of New Zealand.
Viaje por carretera en la Isla Sur de Nueva Zelanda.
Road trip auf der Südinsel von Neuseeland.
Road trip dans l'île du Sud de Nouvelle-Zélande.
Road trip na Ilha Sul da Nova Zelândia.
رحلة على الطريق في الجزيرة الجنوبية من نيوزيلندا
新西兰南岛的客场之旅。
Výlet na Jižním ostrově Nového Zélandu.
Road trip i det sydlige Island i New Zealand.
Road trip in het Zuidereiland van Nieuw-Zeeland.
Road trip in South Island Uusi-Seelanti.
Οδικό ταξίδι στο Νότιο Νησί της Νέας Ζηλανδίας.
נסיעה בכביש באי הדרומי של ניו זילנד.
Perjalanan di Pulau Selatan, Selandia Baru.
Perjalanan jalan raya di Pulau Selatan New Zealand.
ニュージーランドの南島の遠征。
뉴질랜드 남섬 도로 여행.
Road Trip Pietų salos Naujojoje Zelandijoje.
Bilferie i Sørøya på New Zealand.
سفر جاده ای در جزیره جنوبی زلاند نو.
Road trip na Wyspie Południowej Nowej Zelandii.
Поездка на Южном острове Новой Зеландии.
Výlet na Južnom ostrove Nového Zélandu.
Road trip v Južnem otoku Nove Zelandije.
Barabara safari katika Kisiwa Kusini ya New Zealand.
Road trip på Sydön i Nya Zeeland.
நியூசிலாந்தின் தெற்கு தீவு சாலை பயணம்.
న్యూజిలాండ్ యొక్క సౌత్ ఐల్యాండ్ లోని రోడ్ ట్రిప్.
การเดินทางถนนในเกาะใต้ของประเทศนิวซีแลนด์
Yeni Zelanda'nın Güney Adası yolculuğa.
Поїздка на Південному острові Нової Зеландії.
نیوزی لینڈ کے جنوبی جزائر میں سڑک کے سفر.
Chuyến đi đường ở đảo Nam của New Zealand.
וועג יאַזדע אין די דרום אינזל פון ניו זילאַנד.
Road trip in die Suid-Eiland van Nieu-Seeland.
Road Zeelanda Berria uhartearen hegoaldean bidaia.
Паездка на Паўднёвым востраве Новай Зеландыі.
নিউজিল্যান্ড দক্ষিণ দ্বীপ মধ্যে রোড ট্রিপ.
Road Trip u južnom otoku Novog Zelanda.
Пътешествие в Южния остров на Нова Зеландия.
Viatge per carretera en l'illa Sud de Nova Zelanda.
新西蘭南島的客場之旅。
Putovanje u Južnu otoka Novog Zelanda.
न्यूजीलैंड के दक्षिणी द्वीप में सड़क यात्रा.
Txoj kev mus nyob rau hauv South Island ntawm New Zealand.
Road utazás a Déli-sziget Új-Zéland.
Ferðalag í South Island of New Zealand.
Turas bóthair sa Deisceart Oileán na Nua-Shéalainne.
Dalan trip ing Pulo Kidul New Zealand.
ನ್ಯೂಜಿಲ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ನ ಸೌತ್ ಐಲ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ರೋಡ್ ಟ್ರಿಪ್.
ការធ្វើដំណើរផ្លូវនៅភាគខាងត្បូងនៃកោះថ្មីឡង់។
ການເດີນທາງຖະຫນົນຢູ່ໃນພາກໃຕ້ຂອງເກາະນິວຊີແລນ.
Патување на Јужниот Остров на Нов Зеланд.
Vjaġġ bit-triq fil-Gżira Nofsinhar ta 'New Zealand.
न्यूझीलंड दक्षिण आयलंड मध्ये प्रवास.
Excursie în Insula de Sud din Noua Zeelandă.
Излет у Јужном острву Новог Зеланда.
Výlet na Južnom ostrove Nového Zélandu.
Road trip v Južnem otoku Nove Zelandije.
Daith ar y ffordd yn y Ynys y De o Seland Newydd.
Road Trip në Ishullin e Jugut e Zelandës së Re.
ուղեւորությունը Հարավային կղզին Նոր Զելանդիայում.
Yeni Zelandiya Cənubi adası Road Trip.
Road Trip u južnom otoku Novog Zelanda.
13 Best Experiences in New Zealand's South Island
13 Best Experiences in New Zealand's South Island according to Lonely Planet
13. The Catlins
12. Oamaru
11. Stewart Island
10. Skiing & Snowboarding
You're guaranteed to find decent South Island snow right through the winter season. The most famous slopes are around hip Queenstown and laidback Wanaka, with iconic ski runs such as Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Treble Cone close at hand. There are also dedicated snowboarding and cross-country snow parks here.
9. Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a spectacular glacier-carved fiord in the Fiordland National Park on the west coast of New Zealand and isone of New Zealand's most well known scenic attractions. On display in the fiord is a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. It is the best known of a series of fiords in the park, and the only one which is accessible by road.
8. TranzAlpine
In less then five hours the TranzAlpine crosses from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea. Leaving Christchurch it speeds across the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps. After negotiating tunnels and viaducts, the train enters the broad expanse of the Waimakariri Valley. Then it's all downhill: through the Taramakau River Valley, past Lake Brunner, and finally into sleepy Greymouth.
7. Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula is stunning proof there's more to the South Island's outdoor thrills than heart-stopping alpine and lake scenery. Amid a backdrop of coastal vistas combining rugged, hidden beaches with an expansive South Pacific horizon, it's very easy to spot penguins, seals and sea lions. Beyond the rare yellow-eyed penguin, or hoiho, other fascinating avian residents include the royal albatross.
6. Queenstown
What was once a small, remote, South Island town has transitioned, first to a busy ski destination, and now to a year round tourist mecca and centre for adventure tourism. It is a world famous destination attracting around 1.9 million visitors every year, undoubtedly the tourism capital of the South Island if not New Zealand, and a must-see stop for most visitors to New Zealand.
5. Central Otago
Here's your chance to balance virtue and vice, all with a background of some of NZ's most starkly beautiful landscapes. Take to two wheels to negotiate the easygoing Otago Central Rail Trail, cycling into heritage South Island towns such as Clyde and Naseby. Tuck into well-earned beers in laidback country pubs, or linger for a classy lunch in the vineyard restaurants of Bannockburn.
4. Franz Josef Glacier
The 11 km long Franz Josef Glacier is one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, a remnant from the Ice Age which is one of South Westland's major drawcards for visitors. The recent spectacular ice retreat at the Franz Josef Glacier has surprised even the experts and shocked local businesspeople who thought the formerly impressive ice river would be a reliable cash-cow for years to come.
3. Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Akaroa is a charming town on Banks Peninsula in Canterbury. It is the only French settlement in New Zealand. Akaroa's harbour is home to an array of wildlife, most notably the rare Hector's dolphin. Cruises and dolphin swimming are popular attractions. A popular drive is to Pohatu Marine Reserve, centered on nearby Flea Bay.
2. Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a small coastal town on the east coast, about 180 km north of Christchurch. It is famed for its marine mammals (whales, dolphins, seals) and other sea-life, all of which you can see, some of which you can swim with, and some you can eat. In Maori, kai means eat and koura is crayfish' (rock lobster). So Kaikoura is a place to eat crayfish!
1. Abel Tasman National Park
Here's New Zealand nature at its most glorious and seductive: lush green hills fringed with golden sandy coves, slipping gently into warm shallows before meeting a crystal-clear sea of cerulean blue. Abel Tasman National Park is the quintessential postcard paradise, where you can put yourself in the picture, assuming an endless number of poses: tramping, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, or even makin' whoopee in the woods.
SUBSCRIBE
CONNECT
Website:
Google+:
Twitter:
Instagram:
Tumblr:
Facebook:
YouTube:
Nouvelle Zelande
Condense des activités / ballades et autres choses a faire en Nouvelle Zelande.
0:14 a 0:33 = White Island [Most active Volcano in New Zealand]
0:33 a 1:10 = Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland - Rotorua
1:10 a 1:20 = Skyjump, Skytower - Auckland
1:20 a 1:47 = Luge, Skyline Gondola - Rotorua
1:47 a 2:03 = Wairere Falls Track
2:03 a 2:10 = Wairere Falls [Highest waterfalls in North Island]
2:10 a 2:33 = Waitomo Caves
2:33 a 2:53 = Wairere Falls Track
2:53 a 3:15 = Huka Falls
3:15 a 3:22 = Ohakune Mountain Road
3:22 a 3:40 = Wellington
3:41 a 4:00 = Interislander Ferry
4:01 a 4:52 = On the Road
4:53 a 4:57 = Wellington
4:58 a 5:53 = Cook Strait [Interislander Ferry]
5:54 a 6:25 = Port Underwood Road
6:25 a 6:50 = Cloudy Bay, marlborough
6:51 a 7:12 = Kawatiri
7:13 a 7:28 = West Coast
7:29 a 8:28 = Pancakes Rocks
8:31 a 8:59 = Weka [West Coast]
8:59 a 8:04 = Countdown supermarket [Greymouth]
9:05 a 9:20 = Franz Josef Glacier
9:21 a 13:39 = Helicopter Flight (40mn) - Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Tasman Glacier, Mt Cook
13:39 a 14:02 = Fox Glacier
14:02 a 14:12 = On the Road [West Coast]
14:12 a 14:25 = Thunder Falls
14:25 a 14:48 = On the Road [Lake Wanaka]
14:48 a 14:51 = Meads Road
15:51 a 15:14 = Albert Town Campground
15:14 a 16:07 = Puzzling World - Wanaka
16:07 a 16:26 = Skyline Gondola and Luge - Queenstown
16:26 a 16:55 = Botswana Butchery - Queenstown
16:55 a 17:35 = Glenorchy Walkway
17:35 a 17:42 = River Crossing - Paradise
17:42 a 18:15 = Walter Peak BBQ and Farm Tour + TSS Earnslaw
18:15 a 18:28 = Wine and Cheese Degustation - Gibbston Valley Winery
18:28 a 18:36 = Harry's Bar - Queenstown
18:36 a 18:55 = CaddyShack City Minigolf - Queenstown
18:58 a 19:05 = Ferburger (in Goldfield Heights)
19:05 a 19:16 = Gaz Station - Queenstown
19:16 a 19:50 = Te Anau to Milford Sound Road
19:50 a 20:01 = Milford Sound
20:01 a 20:41 = The Chasm [Milford Road]
21:41 a 21:34 = Milford Road / Hollyford Track
21:34 a 22:31 = Lake Marian Track [Waterfalls]
22:31 a 22:50 = Mackay Creek Campsite [Milford Road]
22:50 a 24:17 = Doubtful Sound
24:17 a 27:05 = The Catlins
27:05 a 27:20 = Nuggets Point
27:20 a 27:42 = Dunedin
27:42 a 28:58 = Sandfly Bay [Otago Peninsula]
28:58 a 29:22 = Royal Albatross Centre [Otago Peninsula]
29:22 a 29:27 = Moeraki Boulders
29:27 a 29:38 = Queenstown
29:38 a 30:57 = Goldfield Mining Centre [Cromwell]
30:57 a 31:12 = Wine Taste [Queenstown]
31:12 a 31:27 = True South Restaurant at The Rees Hotel [Queenstown]
31:27 a 31:44 = Château on the Park Hotel [Christchurch]
31:44 a 32:12 = Swimming with dolphins, Black Cat Cruises [Akaroa]
32:12 a 32:24 = Glenorchy Walkway
32:24 a 33:57 = Generique Fin
The 10 Best Places To Live in New Zealand
► Please Remember to Subscribe! ►
► Follow me on Twitter:
► Facebook:
►
---------------------------------------------
The 10 Best Places To Live in New Zealand.
In a word, New Zealand is varied. For a relatively small island nation there are many different places to live, offering lots of options in the way of activities and opportunities. Here are 10 of our favourites spots from around the country.
10. Queenstown
9. Wellington
8. Hawke’s Bay
7. Taranaki
6. Northland
5. The West Coast
4. Waiheke Island
3. Rotorua
2. Mount Maunganui
1. Auckland
---------------------------------------------
Music:
Electro-Light - Symbolism [NCS Release]
Itro Tobu - Cloud 9 [NCS Release]
---------------------------------------------
Thanks for watching!
New Zealand: The Ultimate Travel Guide by TourRadar 5/5
New Zealand: The Ultimate Travel Guide by TourRadar gives you all the info you need to explore this nation of Kiwis. Learn some basics about the country, including what you have to do & see once you arrive, when it's best to travel and which food & drinks you definitely need to enjoy throughout your journey.
-----------------------------------------------
New Zealand has a lot to offer even the most particular traveller. From the lively neighbourhoods of Wellington to the breathtaking Fiordland of the South Island, there's an adventure tucked away in every corner of this impressive country. Consider living out your own Lord of the Rings adventure in Hobbiton, or hike past Mt. Doom in Tongariro National Park. Not thrilling enough? Then skydive over Auckland, go white water rafting down Kaituna River or take a leap of faith and bungee jump in Queenstown! When you're in New Zealand, nearly ever adventure is only a stone's throw away.
Make the most out of your visit to this remote island nation by assembling your bucket list with our travel guide. Booking a tour will ensure your trip is fun, flawless and stress-free:
New Zealand boasts a temperate climate with plenty of sunshine and moderate rainfall. Because of the long coast line, you can expect mild temperatures for the most part. The average temperature decreases as you travel south; January and February are the warmest months with July being the coldest month of the year. Remember to pack your waterproof hiking boots, waterproof rain jacket, swimsuit, flip flops, thin gloves, hiking socks, sunglasses, and a camera with extra batteries.
New Zealand's currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZ$). You should expect to be able to switch between cash and cards quite seamlessly, as all major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Alcohol and restaurant meals can range from moderate to quite expensive so prepare yourself accordingly.
We'd like to thank New Zealand's incredible tourism board for allowing use of their travel footage:
---About New Zealand---
New Zealand, exists on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean and is home to over 4.6 million people, and nearly 30 million sheep.
The country is divided into two portions: the North and South Islands separated by the Cook Strait. The North Island is home to many hot springs and geysers while the South Island is mountainous, forested and covered in glaciers. Over 75% of New Zealanders call the North Island home, and more than 15% of New Zealand's energy comes from renewable resources.
???? Find your tour through New Zealand:
ℹ️ Learn more about New Zealand:
???? Watch another video: 7 Things To Do in Sri Lanka:
???? Visit us on Days to Come: 7 Unnatural, Natural Sights of New Zealand:
✌️ Subscribe for more travel tips & inspiration:
???? #gotouring with TourRadar:
-----------------------------------------------
???? Let’s get social! Follow us on:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Instagram:
Pinterest:
New Zealand
New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/; Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an Oceanian island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses -- that of the North Island, or Te Ika-a-Māui, and the South Island, or Te Waipounamu -- 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. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Polynesians settled New Zealand in 1250--1300 CE and developed a distinctive Māori culture. Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer, was the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642 CE. In 1840, the British Crown and Māori signed the Treaty of Waitangi, making New Zealand a British colony. Today, the majority of New Zealand's population of 4.5 million is of European descent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and Pacific Islanders. Reflecting this, New Zealand's culture is mainly derived from Māori and early British settlers, with recent broadening arising from increased immigration. The official languages are English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, with English predominant. The country's economy was historically dominated by the export of wool, but exports of dairy products, meat, and wine, along with tourism, are more significant today.
This video is targeted to blind users.
Attribution:
Article text available under CC-BY-SA
Creative Commons image source in video
New Zealand | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
New Zealand
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written
language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through
audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio
while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using
a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
You can find other Wikipedia audio articles too at:
In case you don't find one that you were looking for, put a comment.
This video uses Google TTS en-US-Standard-D voice.
SUMMARY
=======
New Zealand (Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is a sovereign island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 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 period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct 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. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Sometime between 1250 and 1300, Polynesians settled in the islands that later were named New Zealand and developed a distinctive Māori culture. In 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight New Zealand. In 1840, representatives of the United Kingdom and Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, which declared British sovereignty over the islands. In 1841, New Zealand became a colony within the British Empire and in 1907 it became a dominion; it gained full independence in 1947, but the British monarch remained the head of state. Today, the majority of New Zealand's population of 4.8 million is of European descent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and Pacific Islanders. Reflecting this, New Zealand's culture is mainly derived from Māori and early British settlers, with recent broadening arising from increased immigration. The official languages are English, Māori, and NZ Sign Language, with English being very dominant.
New Zealand is a developed country and ranks highly in international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, health, education, and economic freedom. The country underwent major economic changes during the 1980s, which transformed it from a protectionist to a liberalised free-trade economy. The service sector dominates the national economy, followed by the industrial sector, and agriculture. International tourism is a significant source of revenue.
Nationally, legislative authority is vested in an elected, unicameral Parliament, while executive political power is exercised by the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, who is currently Jacinda Ardern. Queen Elizabeth II is the country's head of state and is represented by a governor-general, currently Dame Patsy Reddy. In addition, New Zealand is organised into 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities for local government purposes. The Realm of New Zealand also includes Tokelau (a dependent territory); the Cook Islands and Niue (self-governing states in free association with New Zealand); and the Ross Dependency, which is New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica. New Zealand is a member of the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, ASEAN Plus mechanism, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the Pacific Islands Forum.
New Zealand | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
New Zealand
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written
language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through
audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio
while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using
a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
You can find other Wikipedia audio articles too at:
In case you don't find one that you were looking for, put a comment.
This video uses Google TTS en-US-Standard-D voice.
SUMMARY
=======
New Zealand (Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is a sovereign island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 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 period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct 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. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Sometime between 1250 and 1300, Polynesians settled in the islands that later were named New Zealand and developed a distinctive Māori culture. In 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight New Zealand. In 1840, representatives of the United Kingdom and Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, which declared British sovereignty over the islands. In 1841, New Zealand became a colony within the British Empire and in 1907 it became a dominion; it gained full independence in 1947, but the British monarch remained the head of state. Today, the majority of New Zealand's population of 4.8 million is of European descent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and Pacific Islanders. Reflecting this, New Zealand's culture is mainly derived from Māori and early British settlers, with recent broadening arising from increased immigration. The official languages are English, Māori, and NZ Sign Language, with English being very dominant.
New Zealand ranks highly in international measurements of human development, quality of life, education, government transparency, civil liberties, and economic freedom. The country underwent major economic changes during the 1980s, which transformed it from a protectionist to a liberalised free-trade economy. The service sector dominates the national economy, followed by the industrial sector, and agriculture. International tourism is a significant source of revenue.
Nationally, legislative authority is vested in an elected, unicameral Parliament, while executive political power is exercised by the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, who is currently Jacinda Ardern. Queen Elizabeth II is the country's head of state and is represented by a governor-general, currently Dame Patsy Reddy. In addition, New Zealand is organised into 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities for local government purposes. The Realm of New Zealand also includes Tokelau (a dependent territory); the Cook Islands and Niue (self-governing states in free association with New Zealand); and the Ross Dependency, which is New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica. New Zealand is a member of the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, ASEAN Plus mechanism, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the Pacific Islands Forum.