New Zealand Sports


Figure 1.--The photo shows an Auckland boy posing with his cricket nat. Although rugby is the national sport, cricket is also popular in New Zealand. New Zealand is one of the ten Full Members of the International Cricket Council.

Sport is a major activity in New Zealand. This is of course the case for boys in most Western countries. It is especially the case in New Zealand. But in New Zealand many girls are also sports conscious. The schools have strong intra-mural program which incourage a broad base of programs. Like other former-British colonies, the British team sports are especially popular. Rugby is the national sport, even more popular than football (soccer) which is the principal sport in most countries. Despite the country's small populstion, it commonly does very well in international rugby competition. Footbal and cricket are also popular. New Zealand is one of the ten Full Members of the International Cricket Council. Girls play netball rather than basketball. Since World War II, American influences also developed so we also see boys playing baseball, mostly softball. Basketball is growing in importance. Americ's Cup sailing attract wide interest.

Baseball

Since World War II, American influences also developed so we also see boys playing baseball, mostly softball.

Basketball

Basketball is growing in importance.

Bowls

Bowls is a popular sport. We notice bowls are similar games like bocce, bollos criollos, and pétanque being played in Europe and South America. It is also played in New Zealand and other former British colonies. It is not very common in America. The origins are not entirely established, but seem to be medieval England. The players roll slightly asymmetric balls, called bowls. The players win by gettingtheir bowls to stop closest to a smaller bowl which is often referred to as the "jack" or "kitty". Bowls in New Zealand is normally played outdoors on grass surfaces--lawn bowls. The bowls played in New Zealand is usually done at clubs. It is a popular sport for older people, but children and young people also play. New Zealand is one of the countries where it is most popular.

Cricket

Footbal and cricket are also popular. New Zealand is one of the ten Full Members of the International Cricket Council.

Football


Netball

Girls play netball rather than basketball.

Rugby

Rugby is the national sport, even more popular than football (soccer) which is the principal sport in most countries. Despite the country's small populstion, it commonly does very well in international rugby competition.

Sailing

Americ's Cup sailing attract wide interest.








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Created: 8:04 PM 12/21/2009
Last updated: 3:30 AM 8/1/2010