New Zealand Families

Abstract

Family life in New Zealand benefits from a bountiful natural environment and a bicultural heritage. As the first people of the land, Maori contribute rich relational attributes that affect people of all cultures who have settled here. Health, education, welfare and economic realities create particular challenges for New Zealand families, especially those at the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum. Labor shortages and the leeching of highly skilled and qualified people offshore in the pursuit of higher incomes places strain on the infrastructure, yet families particularly enjoy time together in the beauty of the land, commitment to the raising of families and the richness of cultural diversity.

Key Words:

• Challenges
• culture
• family strengths
• New Zealand families