Christchurch

Earthquakes aside, the face of Christchurch is changing, fueled by both internal and international immigration. The Maori community, although still below the national average in size, is growing. Ngai Tahu, the main South Island Maori tribe, settled Treaty of Waitangi claims in 1997 and has been investing in tourism ventures. There is a growing Asian population, reflected in the number of restaurants and stores catering to their preferences. Old wooden bungalows are making way for town houses, the arts scene is flourishing, and the city's university attracts cutting-edge technology companies.