As an English-speaking, First World country, it’s no surprise that UK and US media features heavily in Kiwi culture. Having said that, there are plenty of new names to discover across all the genres, so this is a taste of what you can watch, listen to and read in New Zealand.

If you’re a TV lover then moving to New Zealand won’t be a problem. TV is a pretty international business these days, and with the introduction of Netflix as well, you will be able to see top programmes from the UK or US, as well as home-grown options. You will spot lots of familiar names in the schedules like Masterchef, Dr Who and maybe grow to love New Zealand favourites like Shortland Street, which is their most popular long-running soap. As in other countries, a lot of younger people are turning to their devices to watch content, but TV is still going strong. Here is a snapshot of the top 10 most-watched programmes in New Zealand during August 2015

1. Hyundai Country Calendar

2. House Hunt

3. Gloriavale Life & Death

4. This Town

5. Bogans

6. 7 Days

7. Jono and Ben

8. Chopper’s Republic of Anzakistan

9. Word Up

10. NZ Story

Source: http://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/tv-charts/

Music – what are New Zealander’s listening to?

Like TV, the music scene is pretty international, so you will find lots of familiar names in the charts from Ed Sheeren, Taylor Swift, One Direction as well as some brilliant classic bands like Led Zeppelin. But there is plenty of local talent too, so you can check out singles from New Zealand artists here and albums as well.

However, the mainstream charts feature a mix of UK, US and Antipodean bands and the 2014 charts looked like this..

Top 10 New Zealand Singles of 2014

Happy, Pharrell Williams
All About That Bass, Megham Trainor
All of Me, John Legend
Stay with Me, Sam Smith
Shake It Off, Taylor Swift
I See Fire, Ed Sheeran
Say Something, A Great Big World featuring Christina Aguilera
Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran
We Are Done, The Madden Brothers
Rude, Magic!

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_top_50_singles_of_2014

Books – what New Zealanders are reading

There are many writers in New Zealand, although you won’t necessarily be familiar with them so it might be a good idea to get an introduction to the best talent by looking at the excellent New Zealand site where the New Zealand Ministry of Culture and Heritage give a good round up of writers past and present.

Of course, New Zealanders don’t restrict to reading just authors from their own country, so here is a recent best-sellers list

Bestsellers in 2015

The Antipodeans, Grey McGee
Chappy, Patricia Grace
The Pale North, Hamish Clayton
The Luminaries, Eleanor Catton
Starlight Peninsula, Charlotte Grimshaw
A Crooked Rib, Judy Corbalis
Generation Kitchen, Richard Reeve
James Cook’s Lost World, Graeme Lay
The Invisible Mile , David Coventry
The Writers’ Festival, Stephanie Johnson

Source: www.booksellers.co.nz

If you are considering a move to New Zealand PSS International removals can help. We are a family run company and our desire is to ensure your family receives a friendly, professional and stress free overseas move. We have specialised in international removals for over 33 years, so whether you are planning on sending a full or part household removal, excess baggage or a vehicle we recognise the importance of ensuring our customers receive the same level of care and attention that we would expect ourselves.