Final answer:
Areas of compression in New Zealand are found along the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, particularly in regions such as the Southern Alps on the South Island and areas around the Central Plateau on the North Island.
Step-by-step explanation:
In New Zealand, areas of compression can be expected along the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. This boundary runs right through the country, causing the Southern Alps on the South Island to experience uplift due to compressive forces. On the other hand, the North Island is characterized by volcanic activity as a result of the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Australian Plate.
The South Island's physical features such as the Southern Alps are the direct result of tectonic compression, which pushes the Earth's crust upwards forming mountain ranges. The North Island's landscape is shaped by both compression and volcanic activities, leading to features like the Central Plateau, which houses multiple volcanoes.
Tectonic plate activity not only shapes the topography but also affects the location and intensity of earthquakes, which are a common occurrence in New Zealand. Hence, regions such as Canterbury and Marlborough, which are near the Alpine Fault, face significant compression and are more susceptible to seismic events.