In 2011, Rose McIver moved halfway around the world, from New Zealand to Los Angeles. At first, she made a conscious decision not to only hang out with other Kiwi transplants. However, she had an emotional experience at an industry networking event for other New Zealand natives. While speaking with Saoirse Ronan for Interview magazine, McIver recalled being surprised to see that the event included a traditional New Zealand ceremony. "I do think of myself very strongly as a New Zealander," she said. "... they had a thing called a pōwhiri, which is a native New Zealand Maori welcoming ceremony—the haka is performed. ... When I saw pōwhiri, over here, it was so significant and emotional and made me very proud of where I come from."
McIver visits her ancestral home regularly and still keeps on top of current events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand closed its borders, meaning McIver was unable to return home. She told Stuff, "It was scary thinking I wouldn't be allowed into my own country, and there were moments that were overwhelming, but luckily FaceTime exists."
On Instagram, McIver paid homage to New Zealand's original inhabitants. Sharing a quote from an artist named Jessica Grace Smith, McIver captioned a snap of the Māori flag, "Sovereignty was never ceded. I profit from the atrocities of my ancestors daily. I am trying to live in a way that upholds Te Tiriti O Waitangi, we can do better."
