“Binge” Drinking Culture in New Zealand

Every country has its own drinking culture. It helps them to interact with co-workers, seniors, juniors and friends. It allows them to forget their stress for a while and to have fun. In some countries, drinking culture is one of the way to increase business…

Thoughts on accents

When you went to school in Germany, you probably had English lessons from at least fifth grade. So you’ve started to learn British English, at least that’s what they’re telling you until you actually go to Britain or another English speaking country and find out what you’ve learned in school…

The omnipresent risk of earthquakes

Only a few weeks ago, on the 11th May, the area near Christchurch was hit by a magnitude 4.7 quake earthquake, which was felt by thousands of people; yet, it did not cause any severe damage. Unlike the massive quake in February 2011 (6.3), which had an enormous…

Should te reo Maori be taught in New Zealand’s schools?

While most New Zealanders speak English, very few still use the traditional Maori language. Only around a quarter of the Maori can speak it fluently. Traditionally, “te reo Maori” was an oral language until 1814. From 1930 to 1960…

Why would you call yourself after an almost blind and flightless bird?

Kiwi, kiwi or kiwi???

Greener grass on the other side?

Since 572 people have been arrested in a recent drug operation, I thought it’d be about time to discuss a bit on drugs in New Zealand. Much more interesting than the fact that over 130,000 cannabis plants and 80 kg of dried cannabis were seized and/or destroyed in the…

Wanderlust — backpacking in New Zealand?

Hello again! 
In this blogpost I’d like to focus on backpacking — maybe even in New…

NZ Thoughts 3.0 — An All Blacks Fangirl…ish

Up until the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, I had absolutely no idea how rugby worked. (I still am uncertain if I fully understand it by now, but oh well. Not like I understand any other sport to the full extent anyway.) But upon watching my first ever…

What about Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream it’s over” or Bic Runga “Sway” ??? 😉 — both excellent!!!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J9gKyRmic20

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4jFz_7vbgNQ