Would a black American woman have racial problems visiting New Zealand?

Question

Hello,

I am a black American women thinking about visiting New Zealand. I am currently teaching English in Japan and met a teacher from New Zealand. He said that it is a great country to visit but I have heard of racial problems. I know that there are problems in every country; but, what's the severity? I went to Sri Lanka where the people are darker than me and they were very rude. They kept wanting to see my passport because they thought I was from Africa. I enjoyed the nature but it was quite a shock at the treatment from people who look just like me, lol. Luckily I have a sense of humor. :)

By the way, I am a nature lover and vegetarian/vegan. When I travel, it is always difficult to find food, lol. What city would you recommend for me to visit ?

Thanks a lot,

Diamond

Answer 1

Kia Ora Diamond,

I live on the South Island in the University city, of Dunedin, and although I am not black, I am an American.  

I have never felt any type of prejudice towards me (although some people laugh at my accent),

and I have never seen or heard of it where I live.  

This is a multi-cultural city and it is almost always bustling.  Still, it is small enough to be easy to get around in, and has decent public transportation.

I have heard some negative things about prejudice in NZ, (which mainly seemed to be aimed at people of certain Asian cultures).  But I never have experienced it here, and certainly not at the University.  There are some black students here but I don't think they are American.

You would fall in love with this area.  We have over 20 beaches in the area--some just minutes from the city center and all the rest less than a half an hour away.  

There are plenty of walking trails in the city and some great tracks nearby.  The Orokonui Eco-Santuary just opened this month.  

We are just a few hours away from some of the best skiing and snowboarding sites. Plus we have one of the biggest and best botannical gardens in the country.  

We are home to the world's steepest street, the most photographed building in the Southern Hemisphere, NZ's only castle, and a world-class chocolate factory.

Every Saturday there is a Farmer's Market on the platform at the Railway Station where you can buy all kinds of fresh fruits and veggies, fish, cheese, etc.  Dunedin has some very nice Vegetarian restaurants, and several health food stores as well as organic foods in the groceries.

There are usually jobs in the education sector, and you just may find all your wishes are answered here.  Come to Dunedin and check it out!  Let us know when you get here...

=)

Answer 2

Yep....You would have major issues. Watch out for the Mongrel Mob, Black Power and Killer Bees!!

Answer 3

nz is a beautiful place...............south island would b best for ur needs but u should take the scenic route.fly to chch and make ur way up

have fun

its such a beautiful country

and no race is not an issue

Answer 4

New Zealand is generally a very friendly country, especially to tourists, who contribute lot of money to the economy.  North and South Island are like different countries in the way they feel, their culture, the scenery even the accent so you should really try to see both.  

I have to disagree with an earlier poster about Auckland.  I'm an American living in Auckland and I absolutely love the city.  It is by far the most diverse, multi-cultural city in the country and by American standards it is far from crowded.  Only 1.3 million people live in a city that is twice the geographic size of LA.  Since you're coming from Japan, it will seem all the less crowded.  You shouldn't have any trouble in Auckland or Wellington with your dietary needs, my flat-mate is a vegetarian and has no trouble living here at all.  The smaller towns could be a little bit tougher, but there's always the supermarket if all else fails.  There is also a vibrant cafe culture in NZ throughout the country.

As for the race issue I know several Black Canadian students who say they've had no problems at all in Auckland or elsewhere on their travels.  The racism here is mainly directed at Asian immigrants, or is between different Pacific Island groups.  The only possible racism associates with Africans has to do with an enclave of Somalian refugees settled in South Auckland, but that isn't an area of the city you'd be visiting anway.  Good Luck!

Answer 5

Christchurch has its skinheads, but apart from that little fact, you'll be right mate.

Answer 6

Nope, you wouldn't i don't think. As mentioned there are race related problems everywhere in the world, but they are at a minimum over here in NZ.

As for the food thing there are so many dinky little shops for food around that you should have no problem finding something suitable to eat- If that fails we have some of the best fresh food available in our many supermarkets.

Answer 7

nope its not. Nz is a very good place and people hardly never rascial comments against any1.

Answer 8

I have traveled extensively throughout New Zealand for many years.  It is one of my favorite places in the world.  There are "some" tensions between the native Maori and the anglo population, which is mainly due to conflict over heritage and land issues.  I have found that actual racism is minimal compared to other countries.  You would have no problems in New Zealand.  Keep in mind though, people may be surprised to see an African American because there are very few in New Zealand, but it wouldn't be a racist  acknowledgement.  People in NZ are very welcoming and curious about people from other countries so don't be alarmed when they invite you to their house for dinner!

As for food, Auckland and Wellington would have a good selection of vegan choices.  Auckland, however is a crowded and less desirable way to spend your time in NZ.  1/3 of the country's population lives there and it is crowded!  Otherwise you will have to work at it for food, as NZ is definitely a farming/meat loving country!

Have fun!  It's a great place.  Probably the most beautiful place on earth.

Answer 9

Under normal circumstances, you will be OK.

BUT, as in every culture there are a few idiots who are out to make trouble.

Sad to say, in NZ this is most likely to happen in Christchurch.

You may have trouble finding somewhere to eat. Kiwis love their meat, and although I've seen the odd vegetarian/vegan restaurant around the country.

When you locate one, the staff will be able to fill you in on where there are others.

Answer 10

There are only a few narrow minded people in NZ, however the majority of them are very welcoming and friendly. There is alot to see and do over there, so depending on how long you will be there for, I would suggest you hook up with a tour group and travel with them. Otherwise if you choose to travel on your own or with a friend, here's a link that will help you.

http://www.newzealand.com/travel/Austral...

Sorry I cant help with the food part though. Safe and happy travels :)