When Out and About
There is great scope here for the outdoor life, you are never very far from a spotless beach in New Zealand, and there is a lively café culture, and great sports facilities. It’s important to note that there is a “zero tolerance” attitude to rubbish, so be sure not to drop litter! New Zealand prides itself on its “100% pure” reputation and there has been a long marketing campaign, the slogan for which is “Keep New Zealand beautiful”.
When Shopping
Shops and cafes tend to be individual, since the country is not particularly reliant on chain stores. New Zealanders pride themselves on their friendly and responsive customer service. At the checkout or counter, you will find a hello, smiles, eye contact, and an offer to pack your bag for you. The expression “Kiwi host” derives from the national attitude of being proud to offer hospitality, and to be as helpful as possible.
Shopping areas are small and centralised, and people tend to walk or drive to the shops, rather than use public transport. And because there are fewer public services, for example, trains, it is unusual to see queues in New Zealand.
When Eating
New Zealanders appreciate fine, healthy food, and the choice is plentiful. They are knowledgeable about wine. If invited to a meal in a restaurant, it is common to split the bill, whoever has extended the invitation. Tipping is extremely rare.
Hospitality
It is very common, when invited to a home, to take a dish. This custom is known as “Ladies bring a plate”. The dish may be specified, or you may be invited to a “Pot luck dinner”, where everyone takes something, but no dish is specified, resulting in a spontaneous mixture on the table. Even if not contributing a dish, some bread and a bottle of wine, is the very least to bring.When offered food, it may be considered impolite to refuse. Having a “taster” of whatever the host offers, will be appreciated.
Family life is very important in New Zealand. There is a drinking culture, but this tends to be one or two drinks after work and then heading for home.
Manners
Pushing past people is considered extremely impolite. It is not enough to say “excuse me” as you pass, but more acceptable to wait until these two little words are acknowledged, and the other person has the opportunity to step aside.
Chewing gum is considered a little “trashy”, and certainly the streets are so immaculate, that dropping gum onto them would definitely be frowned upon and the culprit is quite likely to be fined.
It is the custom to shake hands upon being introduced, and maintain eye contact. However, it should be noted that within the Polynesian cultures, which includes the Maori, prolonged eye contact may be considered a bit too personal.
The Maori make up about ten percent of the population, and their word for non-Maoris is “Pakeha” which generally means “stranger”. “Hongi” is the Maori custom for rubbing noses, a sign of greeting and affection. Good relations maintain with the Maori. They have always been more integrated into society than, say, the Aboriginal Australian, and have never been marginalised or “re-homed” in reservations.
It is acceptable for dinner party conversation to extend beyond “small talk” and New Zealanders love to discuss politics and current affairs. Environmental issues are a huge issue, and New Zealanders are proud that they have made their islands a “nuclear-free zone”.
Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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