Michael is a New Zealander or Michael is New Zealander? Article before nationalities?

Question

Do I have to say "Michael is a New Zealander" or can I leave out the indefinite article "a"?

Answer 1

English goes a step further and requires "an" before nationalities that start with a vowel. I am an American and I am a Chinese American. Notice that some nationalities are very specific. I could not say I was a Chinese because there is no noun equivalent of being Chinese like New Zealander or American. Hope that helps!

Answer 2

You certainly need something before the proper noun/place name. Either "a New Zealander" or "from New Zealand" would be just fine.