New Zealand (NZ) is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean located about 2,000 km (1,300 mi) southeast of Australia. The island-nation consists of some smaller islands and two main islands, the North Island (Te-Ika-a-Maui) and the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu), which are separated by the Cook Strait. New Zealand shares maritime borders with Australia, the island nations of Fiji and Tonga. New Zealand’s islands are the surface area of the continent of Zealandia. Zealandia, now for the most part submerged, was formerly a large portion of the super-continent of Gondwanaland.Charles III is the king of New Zealand. Christianity is the predominant religion in New Zealand, although its society is among the most secular in the world.

Most of the major sporting codes played in New Zealand have British origins.Rugby union is considered the national sport.  Golf, netball, tennis and cricket have the highest rates of adult participation, while netball, rugby union and football