What is it? There are several meanings, but the one I refer to is the refined taste for art and learning. I mention it because my brother, recently back from living in Germany for 15 years, is already sick of New Zealanders because of their lack of culture. Some may argue that of course NZ has culture. But I tend to agree with my brother, having recently visited Europe on my 4th trip there.
He brought it up because he'd just been to the pub to meet a mate and have a beer. He doesn't deny he likes beer, but I'm sure he'd prefer the European lagers to the common old brown stuff we get here. So he'd had a few beers and said he was getting sick of the New Zealander mentality of rugby, racing and beer. It hasn't changed from years ago despite the greater prevalence of cafés, art galleries, art festivals, etc. Those are frequented by the hoity toity like the trendy Aucklanders who believe themselves to be so superior. There doesn't seem to be much of a happy medium between the arrogant rich and the ignorant masses. My brother had had enough of talk about rugby and farming, said there was no culture. No average kiwi male is interested in museums, art and books. If you are, you're regarded as either a 'tree-hugging wimp' or gay. Perhaps my brother will regret his decision to return to New Zealand. I am certainly sick of it also, and would prefer to live in Europe.
The advantages of living in NZ are said to be the relaxed lifestyle, space, friendliness, clean green image and outdoors pursuits.
Relaxed? or just plain apathy? We're isolated so people as a rule don't care what goes on in the rest of the world.
The country is full of laws. You can't fart without being taxed. You can't take your dog wherever you like. It has to be on a lead at all times and never anywhere near the city centre. You'll be fined if your dog is found free outside your front gate.
Space - plenty of flat green paddocks full of sheep. The farmers own it, so you can't use it. There are more accessible forests in Europe than there are in NZ.
Friendliness? There are plenty of rude drivers who ignore anyone else on the road. The local shops are full of staff who could learn from customer service 101. A smile wouldn't go amiss.
Clean green image? The only reason we're less polluted is because we only have 4 million people.
Outdoors pursuits. Yes, if you're rich, you can afford to go bungee jumping, white water rafting, whale watching, etc etc. Tourists can afford to pay top dollar so the locals have to as well.
There is no history, no culture, no appreciation of the finer things in life. Oh sure, there'll be some people here who do, but the majority don't give a shit. A Saturday night at the pub watching beer and they're happy.
