Culture
While there was no "indigenous" culture on
the Island at the time of settlement, the
Tahitian influence of the Pitcairn settlers has
resulted in some aspects of Polynesian culture
being adapted to that of Norfolk, including the
hula dance. Local cuisine also shows
influences from the same region.
Islanders traditionally spend a lot of time
outdoors, with fishing and other acquatic
pursuits being common pastimes, an aspect which
has become more noticeable as the island becomes
more accessible to tourism. Most island families
have at least one member involved in primary
production in some form.
As all the Pitcairn settlers were related to
each other, Islanders have historically been
informal both to each other and to visitors. The
most noticeable aspect of this is the "Norfolk
Wave", with drivers waving to each other
(ranging from a wave using the entire arm
through to a raised index finger from the
steering wheel) as they pass.
Religious observance remains an important
part of life for most Islanders, particularly
the older generations. Businesses tend to be
closed on Mondays, for example.
One of the island's residents is the novelist
Colleen McCullough, whose works include
The Thorn Birds and the
Masters of Rome series as well as
Morgan's Run, set, in large part, on
Norfolk Island.
Helen Reddy also moved to the island for a
period but was denied a long term entry permit.
