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''Synopsis:'' '''New Zealand''' is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean. {{rtoc}}{{topics}}* [[Christianity in New Zealand]]* {{region_churches}}* {{region_denominations}}* Regions - [[North Island, New Zealand]] | [[South Island, New Zealand]]* {{region_cities}} - [[Auckland]] * {{region_radio}}* {{region_bible_college}}* {{region_schools}} {{opinions}} ==Main article== New Zealand is a developed country in the south-western Pacific Ocean.
===Geography===
New Zealand is comprised of two large islands (the North Island and the South Island) and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous [[Māori]] named New Zealand Aotearoa, which is usually translated into English as The Land of the Long White Cloud. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are self-governing but in free association; Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica).
The population is mostly of [[European]] descent, with the indigenous Māori being the largest minority. Non-Māori [[Polynesian]] and [[Asian]] people are also significant minorities, especially in the cities. [[Elizabeth II]], as the Queen of New Zealand, is the Head of State and, in her absence, is represented by a non-partisan Governor-General. The Queen 'reigns but does not rule.' She has no real political influence, and her position is largely symbolic. Political power is held by the democratically-elected Parliament of New Zealand under the leadership of the Prime Minister, who is the Head of Government.
===Religionand [[Christianity in New Zealand]]=== According to the 2006 census, [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christianity]] is the predominant religion in New Zealand, held by 56% of the population. Another 35% indicated that they were 'non-religious' and 5% were affiliated with other religions. The main Christian denominations are [[Anglicanism]], [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Presbyterianism]] and [[Methodism]]. There are also significant numbers who identify themselves with [[Pentecostal]] and [[Baptist]] churches and with . There are significant numbers who belong to the [[Mormonism|LDS (Mormon) church]]. The New Zealand-based [[Ratana church]] has adherents among Māori. According to census figures, other significant minority religions include [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Islam]]. Religion does not play a major role in New Zealand public life. Overtly Christian-based political parties such as [[Christian Heritage party|Christian Heritage]] and [[Destiny New Zealand|Destiny]] have been unsuccessful, and the religion (or lack of religion) of political leaders - while generally known - is considered by most to be a private matter. ==Quotes==
==ReferenceLinks==*Wikipedia: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand New Zealand]
