New Zealand Religion

Ironically, New Zealand is a largely secular nation with many religious (especially Christian) influences in everyday life.  According to the 2006 census, only 10% of the nation is actively Christian, but they celebrate all holidays on the Christian calendar, offer prayer and religious education in schools (including public schools) and hire chaplains at all universities.  Even their national anthem, God Defend New Zealand, has a strong Christian theme.

Despite the largely agnostic population, most Kiwi’s have a ‘live and let live’ attitude to religion.  Laws are in place to ensure that no one is discriminated or persecuted due to their religious background.  Nearly all New Zealand cities have churches, while mosques, synagogues and other places of worship can be found in larger towns.

New Zealanders generally go to church on Christmas Eve and over Easter.  Most cities will celebrate the religious aspect of these holidays.  If you are feeling disconnected from your faith, your university chaplain can put you in touch with like-minded people and help you find avenues to celebrate your faith, regardless of what it is.

Interestingly, 20 000 pranksters listed their religion as Jedi in the 2006 census.  If Jedi had been an acceptable response, it would have followed Christianity as one of the largest churches in New Zealand.