Natural Kiwi Thing?

When I arrived here while ago, was slightly bemused as barefoot people everywhere in New Zealand. In Starbucks, in the mall, on public transit, walking down the street. No shoes, no socks, however people move on as if nothing happened. I grew slightly concerned as they might step on some glass, nail, or other sharp things and it probably got their feet really dirty. I was once sitting in Starbucks and there's a person sitting with his ankles crossed on to his knees and just a disgusting bare feet hanging out. I simply wished they didn't forget all the bacteria they collected on their feet all day.  It's almost barefoot galore all over Auckland even in Mission Bay or St Heliers. I also remember seeing barefoot kids carrying shoes on their way to school. I wonder it makes them closer to nature?