Globalisation and Holidays in New Zealand.

Globalisation and Holidays in New Zealand.

Globalisation has a significant influence on how people in New Zealand celebrate holidays. Nowadays, people like to explore new types of celebrations from different countries and consumption of foreign food and decorations have increased. This essay will show how holiday celebrations have changed in Aotearoa.

One major change is that people now celebrate international holidays. For example, Halloween was not common in New Zealand in the past, but now it is very popular, especially around young people and children. Halloween started in Ireland and come to the US with Irish immigrants (Kelley, 1919), and now it is a normal part of New Zealand's culture. Schools and kindergartens organise events where kids dress up as characters from scary movies. Shops being selling costumers, sweets, decorations, and even food that look like something from horror films. For example, weenie witch fingers or sweet cake eyeballs, are described by Vega (2018). For instance, another celebration is St. Valentine`s Day, it used to be unknown until 20th century, the story of St. Valentine`s Day (Monzo,2024). Whereas many people buy gifts, cards, and flowers for their partner. Restaurants offer special menu with higher prices and start advertising weeks before the celebration. This shows how multinational businesses impact New Zealand's culture.

Another way globalisation has changed holidays is through travel, as described by Reader`s Digest (2006). In the past, even twenty years ago, most people in New Zealand stayed at home and celebrated Christmas and New Year with their families. Nowadays, many kiwis choose to travel overseas during the holiday season. This has become more common because international flights are more affordable, and booking is easier online. Instead of preparing traditional food and getting together with family, people now spending their Christmas at the beach resort in another tropical country. This brings convenience and new experiences, but traditional food and cooking family recipes or visiting grandparents, may happened less often now. Journeys overseas creating memories and fun, but they also reduce traditional family celebrations. It is important to find a balance between enjoying international travel and keeping local traditions.

The internet and social media have also changed how people in Aotearoa celebrate holidays. Especially young people get influenced by TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Now young people see how others celebrate holidays around the world and try to copy them and do the same. Instagram and TikTok are full of ideas for holidays, food, decorations, and activities. Social media trends are changing how people shop, decorate, and plan celebrations in the country. For example, New Year celebrations in New Zealand have become more multicultural. In the past, people in Aotearoa gave presents only on Christmas Day, as now some also sharing gifts for New Year celebration. Also, instead of traditional BBQ and Pavlova cake, some family's cook pizza, sushi or Indian food. Moreover, the Sky Tower, which was built in the early 1990s, explained Alves (2017), fireworks in Auckland have become a symbol of the global New Year celebration. They were inspired by Australia and the US and are now an iconic event that draws international attention each year. This shows how globalisation continues to change local traditions in New Zealand.

In conclusion, globalisation has changed holiday in New Zealand in many ways. People now follow new traditions, travel more during holidays, and see global trends online. These changes have increased the variety and fun of holidays, but they may also weaken local traditions over time.

References

Kelley, R. E. (1919). The book of Hallowe'en: The origin and history of Halloween. TP Publications.

Vega, A. (2018). The recipe book of little kitchen of horrors.TP Publications.

Monzo, S. E. (2024). The book of Valentine’s Day: The original and history of Valentine`s Day. TP Publications.

Reader’s Digest. (2006). TV One Breakfast: Video report.

NZ History. (n.d.). Kiwis’ attitude to Christmas. https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/video/kiwis-attitude-christmas

Alves, T. (2017, May). A brief history of Auckland’s Sky Tower.

The Culture Trip. (n.d.). https://theculturetrip.com