Who is the Typical Kiwi?

An international study on cultural stereotypes, led by the US National Institutes of Health, has concluded that there is no relation between supposed cultural characteristics and the actual traits identified in real people. “People should trust less in their own beliefs about national character,” says study co-leader Antonio Terracciano. “These can be dangerous and the basis for discrimination.” According to study conductors at Victoria and Otago Universities, participants described the “typical Kiwi” as fun-loving, risk-taking, intellectually curious, open-minded, friendly, affectionate, happy and calm. NZ was one of the few nations of the 49 surveyed to give a fairly accurate assessment of their national character.