Q: Why do some New Zealanders walk on the street without wearing shoes?
Why wear shoes if it is not necessary, especially when it is hot and more comfortable to go barefoot?
When I go to the dairy (kiwispeak for corner store), I know I am going to park on concrete and walk into the dairy without hurting my feet. Most Kiwis couldn't care less if you don't wear shoes.
It is also not unusual to see people working barefoot in offices. For example, a lawyer could work barefoot and only slip on shoes when they see a client, but even if they don't, it would not necessarily raise eyebrows.
EDIT:
To answer some of the questions in the comments, I have added reasons why many of us go barefoot:
Culture: Kiwis are generally more casual than in many other countries regarding dress code and appearance, and many children go barefoot from a young age. It is the same in Australia, where many also go barefoot.
Culture: In Maori culture, going barefoot means that you connect with nature. A wharenui (meeting house) in a marae (Maori meeting place) is considered a tapu (sacred) place. Wearing shoes inside a wharenui is an act of desecration to the tapu of the wharenui. Our Maori heritage is important and meaningful to all of us.
Climate: The temperature is comfortable enough almost everywhere to go barefoot during summer.
Dangers: Our streets are generally kept clean and we do not have a problem with parasites, venomous critters, dog poo, needles, and so on.
Hobbit genes: We either have some hidden hobbit genes, or maybe those of us who go barefoot a lot, just develop thick soles.
Wide, flat feet: Most NZers have large, wide, flat feet ( I'm a Podiatrist, it's my job to know this ). Traditionally most of the footwear was supplied from Europe, which have a narrower fit. Better to be barefoot than be cramped into narrow, uncomfortable shoes.
Depression: During the depression younger siblings were given hadn-me-downs, which didn't always fit, so they'd rather go barefoot.
Schools: In primary schools kids take off their shoes in the class. And most of the kids also do sports barefoot on the grass.
Convenience: It's just easier.
Chilled out: NZers have a very chilled out, casual dress sense, barefoot and shorts is very common and considered a norm.
I don't particularly agree with these reasons, and I see some very problematic feet due to this, so definitely don't encourage it.
concrete 混凝土的；具体的
原句： I know I am going to park on concrete.
parasite 寄生虫
venomous 有毒的；恶毒的
critter 生物
原句： We do not have a problem with parasites, venomous critters, dog poo, needles, and so on.
hobbit 霍毕特人
sole 鞋底；脚底
原句： We either have some hidden hobbit genes, or maybe those of us who go barefoot a lot, just develop thick soles.
podiatrist 足疗师
原句： I'm a Podiatrist, it's my job to know this.
cramp 束缚；使…抽筋
原句： Better to be barefoot than be cramped into narrow, uncomfortable shoes.
depression 不景气；抑郁症
hand-me-down 别人用过的东西
原句： During the depression younger siblings were given hand-me-downs.
problematic 有问题的
原句：I see some very problematic feet due to this.
