Australia and New Zealand are two illustrious countries with Anglo-European legacies that are now being infused with new cultural views and restraints. Though they are both intriguing and are similar in many ways, there are many geographical features that account for their cultural differences. Additionally, there are many differences that account for Australia's relationship with Indonesia. In each aspect, geographical features play a significant role (Blij, 2012). The physiographic differences between massive and compact Australia and elongated and fragmented New Zealand are quite apparent.Much of the differences between the two countries stems from the location as it relates to the Earth's tectonic plates.
Australia lies at the center of the Australian Plate and is composed of some of the most ancient rocks on the planet. While New Zealand lies at the convergence of the Pacific and Australian Plates. It is also younger and less stable. In New Zealand, volcanoes and eruptions are common, whereas they are unknown of in Australia. The location of the two countries not only effects the volcanic activity, but also its relief.
The Great Dividing Range is Australia's highest relief. The highest of these old and eroding reliefs is Mount Kosciusko at 2230 meters (7316 ft tall). As opposed to New Zealand where its entire ranges are higher. In the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, reaches 3754 meters (12,316 ft) (Blij, 2012). The climate of the two countries are also affected by the geographical location of the two countries. New Zealand has a varied climate.
It ranges from tropical in the north to Mediterranean in the south. Additionally, the interior is mostly desert and steppe conditions.The semiarid steppe conditions allow for grassland that provides grassland for tens of thousands of livestock. New Zealand is under the influence of the Pacific and Southern Oceans which creates moderate, moist conditions, that are temperate in the north and colder in the south.
Whereas Australia has a zone of humid and temperate climate only that only occurs in the east, the country's economic core area (Blij, 2012). The Maori culture is more prominent in New Zealand whereas the Aboriginal culture is more prevalent in Australia.New Zealand was founded to be a religious society and Australia was founded to be a penal colony. Both have a background of British beginnings, but have morphed into its own true identity.
New Zealand is more racially conscious and is less friendly to Asians than Australia. Unlike New Zealand, Australia is on its way to becoming a multicultural society (Blij, 2012). Australia has been inundated with many issues as regarding their status at home, relations with neighboring countries, and its place in the world (Blij, 2012).For years the relationship between Australia and Indonesia was considered "special. " Because of Indonesia's location, Australia depended on their help for curbing illegal seaborne immigration. By recognizing Indonesia's 1976 annexation of Portuguese East Timor, they were able to deal directly with Jakarta for oil reserves beneath the Timor Sea.
In 1999, when the East Timor campaign succeeded, Indonesian troops began a sea of destruction and murder.Australia was the country that sent in a special peacekeeping force in to help solidify the situation. (Blij, 2012). The countries have a highly productive relationship, political security, commercial security, and relationships amongst their leaders. Additionally, the two countries have a healthy trade and economic relationship with two-way trade and two way investment.
In an effort to reduce poverty in Indonesia, Australia provides quality technical and economic assistance. The two countries have agreed to combat counter-terrorism and smuggling.Another area of joint efforts can be seen in religious aspects and educational training [ (Indonesia Country Brief Overview, 2013) ]. Overall, the Austral Realm has geographical advantages and challenges. Through partnerships with neighboring countries, modest climate, and Australia's rapidly growing transition into a multicultural society are bright spots for the realms future successes.
Both Australia and New Zealand are changing and their relationships with neighboring realms are continually prospering .
