Americans, U.S. in New Zealand

Introduction / History

Americans are the second largest worldwide and therefore diverse in its ethnic expressions. Only the Mandarin Chinese in China is larger. Understanding the modern American people group starts with knowing how its unique melding of nationalities, ethnicities and races made it what it is today.

Rising from the original thirteen British colonies, the United States (US) declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. By 1776, people of English, Irish or Scottish descent mostly inhabited the colonies, though Native Americans and African slaves were severely mistreated at this time and were not considered citizens. After independence, immigration increased from other European countries, such as Germany, Poland, Sweden and Italy. As the US quickly expanded its geographic borders during the 19th century, newly arriving immigrants tended to settle in cities and towns founded by others from their home country. Remnants of this can be seen from the Irish influences in Boston, Massachusetts to the German towns of South Texas and throughout the country.

The American people group was formed during the 19th and 20th centuries as: 1) African slaves were freed after a bloody civil war; 2) Culture was developed through the melding of European traditions and expressions of Christianity and 3) Racial equality improved. The latter half of the 20th century also experienced a massive immigration of Mexicans and others from Latin America, especially into southern states. This trend is estimated to change the demographics in the four Mexico-bordering states to be majority Mexican descent by 2050. By the 2nd or 3rd generations, most Latin Americans integrate, at least somewhat, into the English-speaking Americans. This also goes for immigrants from Asia. The variety of races and vast geographic area Americans cover makes defining this people group difficult.

The US has never seen a significant diaspora of Americans outside of its borders. Small numbers have migrated to other parts of the world, usually for business purposes. One of these destinations is New Zealand.

Americans started coming to New Zealand in the 1770s-1840s as demobilized British sailors and as former convicts. Some American servicemen were stationed in New Zealand in WWII and married New Zealand women.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Americans in New Zealand have access to technology, education, and relatively stable employment opportunities. They commonly come because their employer sends them. The perks are good; there is a liberal work/leisure balance and good health care. Others come because it s an English-speaking country where they can enjoy warm beaches. Commonly, people socialize outdoors on hikes, etc. Many Americans have made their mark in New Zealand as actors or professional athletes.

Americans have a more individualistic than group mentality. Typically, individual achievement is valued over bringing honor to one's family, as seen in most Asian contexts. For a couple of generations, Americans expected their children to move out of the home after they landed their first career job, but this is changing, especially in places where the cost of living is high. Most American couples live together before they are married, even among Christians.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Biblical Christianity has undergirded American life for most of its history. Today, economic and political ideologies have had a greater influence on spiritual beliefs. American's value of individualism extends to religion. Among Western peoples, Americans are still the most involved with Christianity, but theological liberalism, political agendas and secularization have drastically changed American values.

What Are Their Needs?

Secularism and adherence to ungodly political agendas have tainted biblical Christianity among Americans.

Prayer Points

Pray for American Christians to put the teachings of the Bible far above political agendas and secularism.
Pray for a revival in New Zealand that would stir Americans to deepen their faith in Christ.
Pray that American Christians would be a spiritual light to non-believers in New Zealand.

Text Source:   Joshua Project