Moving to New Zealand and need your views on racism against black Africans?

Question

Hi,

I will be moving to New Zealand later this year. I would like to know about the attitude towards black Africans. Is racism a serious threat?

Apart from South Africans are there large populations of Africans from other countries?

What should I expect?

Waiting for your answers!

Zenji

Answer 1

There are serious race issues. Look at the problems between the whites here and Maori's and Islander's. It is far worse for Bleck South Africans. I know some white South Africans, and they lead the charge against the Blacks. They are even worse than the New Zealanders. Its all good though. We don't want the blacks here.

Answer 2

Parts of South Island are reknown for race relations conflicts (Alhough Queenstown has always been an exceptin to the "South" probably because it is run mainly by foreigners.). Stay up in the North island - less hassles - generally the further North you are - the better - Auckland is great. Doris is an idiot -

Answer 3

No i don't think that racism is a serious threat in New Zealand.

There is a bit of a problem with maoris & racism but not towards black africans.

Well, not the bulk of kiwi folk.

Hope you enjoy NZ! :)

Answer 4

OMG dont listen to the idiot above!!!

I dont think racism is a serious issue, it's an issue, but not a serious one. You'll be quite safe to walk down the street by yourself. Hopefully, your get other answers to your ?, i havent lived in NZ for awhile,  but im sure things haven't changed that much, i go home once a year. Please, take no notice of the idiot who replied 1st...TOSSER!!.

Answer 5

Don't know what "Doris" is on about.  NZ is a multi-cultural society and proud to be so.  Racism is an issue the world over, with NZ being no exception, but we don't suffer from it to the same degree as other parts of the world.  We are a safe country to live in (albeit expensive) as long as you take the same precautions here as elsewhere.  People are generally very laid back, casual and accepting and are genuinely interested in people from far off places as we can tend to feel a little provincial.  If you embrace the NZ lifestyle and its people you can't go wrong (learning to love rugby would also help!).  Glad you're coming later this year and not now as it is *&*(#@ cold!

Answer 6

what is doris on about?!?!

NZ is HUGELY multicultural, so we accpet a lot of cultures!!!

Racisim is not a threat at all.

You will be sweet!! :)

Answer 7

Stuff Doris he/she is the racist one..Nah Nz is pretty sweet, your be fine,,

Answer 8

NZ has one of the most multi cultural societies in the world. There is not a 'race' problem i would call it more of an attitude problem and then its only small minorities of certain cultures trying to 'prove' themselves. I do not think you will have a problem, and no racism isnt a serious threat. South africa does have a lot of immigrants but there are also people from other african nations you'll have no problem fitting in. Congratulations on your decision and you'll love it when you get here

Answer 9

Oh my goodness!!! I agree with everyone else when they say not to listen to Doris!

I feel sorry for her if her experience in being in New Zealand has lead her to that conclusion about the racial or ethnic issues in New Zealand. The fact of the matter as a person of Maori descent, the native people of New Zealand, I had not witnessed or been subject to racism until I left New Zealand! Growing up in New Zealand I guess I was totally ignorant of any kind of racism that was occurring toward or around me.

In my experience, I don't believe that racism is a serious threat and racism is not part of the Kiwi worldview. I'd like to think that Kiwi's think of our nation as a huge melting pot. Like a stew that has taken from so many different cultures throughout the South-Pacific and Europe that has created a unique Kiwi Identity. So, I'd like to say that we are a little bit more accepting of different ethnicities than other countries in the world.

However, to fully answer your question, the answer is really idiosyncratic. New Zealand is not perfect. It depends on who you ask or where you go. There are pockets in the country where you could encounter ignorant people and I apologize in advance for that, if it happens to you.

In terms of encountering other African cultures, in NZ you will find slim pickings when it comes to encountering black Africans in your everyday life. Recently, there have been more people of African descent immigrating to New Zealand, but you will not see a lot of black African people in your travels. You will finds clubs and support groups though that you could join and do cultural exchanges and stuff like that.

Something else that you might find interesting and definitely something that you should expect is the high regard that the younger generation of New Zealand has for black culture. Currently the hip hop culture in New Zealand is booming, so anything that is remotely black, African or African American is immediately "cool." The younger generation especially are heavily influenced by American culture in terms of music and highly determines what is cool!

I hope I could help.

Enjoy New Zealand. It really is a wonderful country to live and or even visit.