Figure 1.--.

New Zealand today is an Anglo Polynesian culture. The primary Polynesian group is the Maori who occupied the islands when the British arrived in the mid-19th century. New Zealand has since its colonization by the British been dominated by European or as it is expressed in the country, Pakea culture. The Scotts and Irish immigrated in important numbers and were followed by other European immigramts. The Irish and This was especially true of the schools. Maoris at first avoided European schools nor were they at first particularly welcome. Modern New Zraland schools embrace the country's Maori heritage. Many Maori children, however, have academic difficulties in the school, a problem that the schools are addressing with varying degrees of success. After Workd War II Polynesians from associated Pacific Islands began arriving in New Zealand. In addition to the local children, quite a number of foreign students attend New Zealand schools. And New Zealand students particoparte in a number of exchange involving academic experiences n other countries.

Origins

New Zealand is a country of immigrants. And New Zealand schools are a reflection of that diversity. Even the Maori who arrived first immigrated from other islands. The Pakea students are largely from the British Isles. Pakea is the term that the Maoris use to describe the Europeans who first arrived in any number during the 19th century. It's now in very common usage in New Zealand by both Maoris and Pakeas. While the British Isles was the primary source of European immigants, New Zealanders alsio trace their ancestry to many different Europen countries. In recent years immigrants from the Pacific Islands have added to the ethnic mix that is modern New Zealand.

Maori

New Zealand's largest minority group are the indigenous Maori people which represent about 15 percent of New Zealand's increasingly diverse population. The Maori used to be a rural people, but have largely moved to the principal New Zealand cities. Maori students are an important part of many New Zealand schools. The schools which once ignored the Maori language and culture, now embrace it.

Polynesian Students

Foreign Students

Many New Zealand schools incourage programs for foreign students. There are many exchange programs for foreign students to study in New Zealand and New Zealand students to study abroad. Many foreign students also attend New Zealand schools, both private and public, on a fee paying basis. This has proven a popular option with many Asian students.

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