New Zealand

New Zealand is an island nation and, along with Australia, is considered one of the antipodal countries (as they are on the opposite side of the Western hemisphere). It consists of the primary land masses, the North Island and South Island, and several smaller islands. The native population are the Māori, but European colonization began heavily in the 18th century. New Zealand was a colony of Great Britain until 1907, when it became a dominion.

Sheep farming, and the export of wool, is traditionally one of New Zealand's largest industries, but it has declined in recent decades.

The kiwi is indigenous to New Zealand and is the national bird, while kiwi fruit are also native. The country is also home to many marine mammals, including whales, and a wide variety of fish. Boomerang fish are not among them, despite the fact that Lew Zealand was named after the country.

Broadcasting
Beyond Lew, the Muppets have been more directly involved with New Zealand, making a commercial in 2005 for CanTeen, an NZ non-profit. Jim Henson's Creature Shop built Rico, spokes character for Air New Zealand, in 2010.

In 1971, New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation began airing Sesame Street. Other networks which have aired Muppet content include Television New Zealand, TV3, and FourKids.