New Zealand - barefoot capital?

People often think me plodding around London in my bare feet is a bit odd, but if I lived in New Zealand I think I'd be one of many as these snaps of barefoot walkers there show...

Maybe its something to do with the warmer climate there - apparently its very common on the warmer north island, but not on the colder south island.

One thing though, don't agree to have a game of hockey without shoes as I now have 2 rather bruised toes from getting wacked with the ball - OUCH!