ICYE New Zealand - ACVE

Organisation

In 2011, ICYE New Zealand was updated and refreshed with a new organisation and name – Aotearoa Cultural & Volunteer Exchange (ACVE). ACVE took on the ICYE membership to continue New Zealand’s long association with the ICYE International Federation.

Programme

Voluntary service placements include youth adventure camps, respite care for children, community work, education, working with disabilities and environmental projects.

About the country

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island), and numerous smaller islands. The indigenous Maori language name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, commonly translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud. The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a pact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars. The majority of New Zealand’s population is of European descent; the indigenous Maori are the largest minority. Asians and non-Maori Polynesians are also significant minority groups, especially in urban areas. The most commonly spoken language is English. The Maori culture of the indigenous people of New Zealand is still visible and celebrated in this small country full of character.

New Zealand is a developed country that ranks highly in international comparisons on many topics, including education, economic freedom, and lack of corruption. Its cities also consistently rank among the world’s most liveable. New Zealand’s nature is unspoiled and ranges from vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, to deeply indented fjords and lush rainforests.