General:

• Kiwis are generally a laidback bunch of people who love and embrace a good work/life balance.
• People are generally thought of as friendly but reserved and respectful, and open enough to be seen as welcoming; Kiwis are renown as being among one of the friendliest people in the world – expect friendly smiles! They are always willing to help where possible.
• New Zealand is a multi-cultural country with various cultures and ethnic groups around the world so it’s important to show respect to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexuality, and political views.
• Kiwis tend to have “Tall Poppy Syndrome” where they try to bring down people’s accomplishments and mock people who think highly of themselves.
• When invited to a dinner party or special occasion, it’s normal to contribute to the event by bringing food or wine to share with other people.
• People tend to dress quite casually or smart-casually so there is no need to properly dress or overdress unless it is a special occasion.
• There is often a relaxed attitude to invitations. Sometimes people will say they’re coming to an event but not turn up. Don’t take it personally!
• People enjoy going out for coffee but not necessarily drink coffee (the point is always to catch up with people).
• Coffee in New Zealand is among the best in the world. The humble Flat White coffee is the most popular, and arguably a Kiwi creation!
• During a restaurant or cafe situation where you pay after having your meal, it’s normal to go up to the service counter to pay for the bill, as opposed to remain sitting down and waiting for the waiter/waitress come to you with the bill. Depending on the establishment, split payment among different diners can also be allowed.
• There isn’t a tipping culture in New Zealand so tipping is not expected at all in restaurants and cafes.
• While there isn’t normally a service surcharge on top of your dining bill, surcharges can exist when you dine on a public holiday. Always check with the dining establishment before dining there.
• Kiwis love their junk food, especially savoury mince meat pies and fish ‘n chips – it probably explains why New Zealand is one of the fattest countries in the world!
• The alcohol drinking drinking age is 18 years.
• It’s normal for people to have after work drinks on a Friday afternoon after work has finished.
• There is still a strong binge-drinking culture in New Zealand, though this is declining due to increased costs and changing social attitudes.
• Smoking is decreasing in popularity due to changing social norms, education, and the increasing prohibiting cost of smoking cigarettes each year – the New Zealand government regularly raises tax on tobacco products.
• Smoking is not allowed inside essentially all businesses – offices, bars, cafes restaurants, hotels, and night clubs. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas and in private residences.
• The selling and smoking of cannabis is still illegal in New Zealand and is a criminal offence (though the consumption of it is ‘accepted’ by large parts of society where people turn a blind eye to people smoking it).

Māori culture:

• During a powhiri (welcoming ceremony), it’s important to stay quiet to be respectful of the ceremony. It’s typically followed by a presentation of waiata (songs) and speeches by particular people, typically elders.
• The haka is a ceremonial Māori dance or challenge performed by men, considered an ancestral ‘war cry’. It is made famous by the New Zealand national rugby team the All Blacks – the haka is performed before the start of every rugby match. Many boys-only schools have their own haka.
• It is normal to take your shoes off indoors, especially in a marae (a communal or sacred place that serves cultural or social purposes).
• The traditional Māori greeting is the hongi where people press their noses together while their eyes are shut (sometimes with the foreheads touching) while shaking hands. Hongi roughly translates to ‘sharing of the breath’.
• Māori people will often say a prayer (karakia) to bless meals before eating them.
• There is an earth-based barbecue called a hāngi where food is cooked using heated rocks buried in a pit oven that has been dug into the ground and buried for a few hours.
• It’s best to not sit on a table as it’s considered disrespectful (as it’s commonly associated as a place where people eat).
• The traditional Māori tattoo is Tā moko that is considered tapu, or sacred, often associated with mana (respect) and high social status. For men, this tattoo is commonly inked on the face, buttocks and thighs. For women, the moko is usually on their lips and chin.
• In Māori culture, people enjoy expressing and showcasing their heritage and cultural identity through song and dance, known as Kapa haka – the term for Māori performing arts. Kapa means ‘group and haka means ‘dance’.

Do:

• Greet members of the same sex with a handshake, often done with both hands and a smile.
• Hug close friends regardless of gender.
• Walk on the left side of a path (like driving on the left side).
• Hold/open the elevator/lift for people who are wanting to get on it as the doors close.
• Wait until everyone has left the elevator/lift before getting on it.
• Respect personal space.
• Bring a plate of food to a party or gathering, especially when the host has asked you to “Bring a plate”.
• Wait to be served at a restaurant or cafe (unless stated otherwise by the establishment).
• Bring a small gift to a social occasion, even if the host tells you not to bring anything.
• Go on at least one hiking adventure in New Zealand to experience the beautiful outdoors.
• Try a savoury minced meat pie – flavours such as mince, mince and cheese, steak and cheese.
• Try lolly cake – one of New Zealand’s best sweet creations.
• Be modest.
• If you smoke, ask if the surrounding people are okay with you smoking nearby.
• Say “Cheers!” when making a toast.

Do not:

• Be arrogant and gloating of your achievements.
• Be ‘touchy-feely’ with people.
• Ask people (especially people you don’t know well) how much money they earn, marital status, political views – anything too personal.
• Smoke indoors in public spaces and areas where there is “No smoking” sign.
• Tip in restaurants or bars. It’s not required.

Learn more:
A guide to modern New Zealand manners
New Zealand Now
Every Culture
Commisceo Global