Australia and New Zealand A World Apart
In the Know
By John Bregoli
Whether it ’ s the accents or the nearly identical flags , people tend to lump Australia and New Zealand together — although the Aussies and Kiwis who live there say the differences are glaringly obvious — especially the accents . Take this quiz that reveals why these two island nations in the South Pacific are such fascinating travel destinations .
Which statement about Australia and New Zealand ’ s Indigenous peoples is FALSE ?
A . New Zealand Maoris are one of the world ’ s youngest indigenous populations B . Aboriginal Australians are thought to be the oldest continuous culture in the world C . To intimidate opponents , Kiwi rugby teams perform a Maori war dance before matches D . Maori and English are New Zealand ’ s two official languages E . Aboriginal people were not included in Australia ’ s national census until 1967
What exactly is a “ kiwi ,” anyway ?
A . An affectionate nickname for New Zealanders B . An odd-looking nocturnal flightless bird C . A nutritious New Zealand fruit D . A gooseberry that came from China E . All of the above
Which of these are TRUE and which are FALSE about New Zealand ’ s wildlife ?
A . There are poisonous snakes in remote areas of New Zealand B . Due to its proximity to Australia , New Zealand shares wildlife with its neighbor C . The wildlife in New Zealand is more likely to harm cars than people D . New Zealand has 30 million cows and about 5 million people E . There are no native land mammals on New Zealand
Which of these pairs are from Australia , and which are from New Zealand ?
A . Edmund Hillary and Mount Cook B . Bondi Beach and Mad Max C . Errol Flynn and True History of the Kelly Gang D . Yellow-eyed penguins and Once Were Warriors E . Russell Crowe and the Tasman Sea
Aussies call their beach footwear “ thongs .” What do Kiwis call them ?
A . Same as Aussies — thongs B . Sand slippers C . Jandals D . They prefer going barefoot
DISPATCHES • JUNE 2023 11