New Zealand

Greetings

Men greeting Men – A handshake is common in formal and business situations. A simple nod of acknowledgment works in less formal situations.

Women greeting Women – A handshake is common in formal and business situations. A light hug is common in less formal situations and between good friends and family.

Greetings between Men and Women – A hug or handshake is common depending on level of intimacy. A handshake tends to be the norm for formal situations.

Note: The traditional greeting in the Maori culture involves people touching/lightly rubbing their noses together. Called the Hongi, it is mostly used at formal Maori events.

Communication Style

• New Zealand tends to be a very “politically correct” society. There is great emphasis on manners and politeness.
• People tend to ‘hint’ at want they mean if there is a risk that they may offend somebody. The younger generations seem to be less versed in these practices, perhaps stemming from a greater influence from American media.
• New Zealanders tend to be very friendly and open-minded.

Personal Space & Touch

• Roughly an arm’s length of personal space is generally acceptable during conversations. With friends or family it may be less, but an arm’s length is probably common with the addition of a hand on an arm or shoulder to emphasize a point or perhaps leaning in to share a secret.
• With business colleagues an arm’s length would be a minimum requirement, any closer could be deemed inappropriate, especially between colleagues of the opposite sex.
• NZ is a very egalitarian society when it comes to gender so between members of the opposite sex there is little variation, unless there is some amorous intent.
• Personal space is probably less guarded in female to female conversations than between males who tend to be macho and mildly homophobic.

• Touching between colleagues is generally unacceptable. Between members of the opposite sex contact would generally be a come-on.

• As a general rule, shoulders, upper-arms and elbows are considered safe non sexual touching zones.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is acceptable, even preferable. However, prolonged direct eye contact would be considered unnerving. Ideally you want just enough to indicate that you’re sincere but not so much that the other person feels that they’re being scrutinized.
• There is also some confusion, owing to the large number of pacific islanders in NZ, that direct eye contact in their culture is considered rude and confrontational.
• You are more likely to maintain eye contact with a child to retain their attention. You are less likely to maintain eye contact with a boss or elder if you feel guilty in some respect or if you are hiding something.

Gestures

• Raising of the eyebrows (often accompanied by a tilting back of the head) is an informal, sometimes distant (i.e. across the road) greeting.
• Pointing – index finger extended
• Beckoning – index finger curling up.
• Thumb's up shows that something is good or expresses agreement.
• Middle and index finger up is used to express anger or irritation at someone (more common than the middle finger alone which is reserved pure real rage). This may also be used between friends as a way of saying “whatever”.

Views of Time

• Generally people are on time, especially in relation to business. Punctuality is important for many and tardiness is often seen as a form of rudeness or disrespect.
• Buses and trains are expected to be 5-10 minutes late (unless you’re late in which case they are on time).
• Now with the prolific use of mobile phones, most people will call (or text) if they’re running late.
• NZ has a fairly laid back culture; most people will give time fairly freely to help each other out.

Gender Roles

• NZ is a very egalitarian society when it comes to gender. The Prime Minister is a woman, as is/was our governor general, our chief justice as well as several CEO’s of NZ’s major companies.
• Around 50-60 percent of students at universities are women but in cases where one parent stays at home it tends to be the woman.
• In formal aspects of Maori culture gender roles are clearly defined. Women cannot perform the haka (a war dance) and generally will not speak in welcoming ceremonies but will perform the waiata (song) to welcome guests.

Taboos

• Extending the middle finger is rude, as is swearing.
• Sexist and/or racist language is also highly disdained.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age was lowered from 20 to 18 around 10 years ago. It is enforced quite rigorously by ID checks at bars, clubs and alcohol retailers. The smoking age is 18 and is likewise enforced.
• There are huge campaigns (of advertising and police) against drink driving and speeding. Both are heavily enforced.

• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Dress

• For Men: For a first meeting, a relatively conservative business suit is a good idea. Many companies allow business casual dress, which is usually nice pants and a collared shirt with or without a jacket.
• For Women: Dresses, pantsuits, or business suits are a good idea for a first meeting. Limited accessories are fine and it is best to avoid overly revealing clothing.
• Jeans and more casual attire are common in some industries.
• Being clean and well-groomed is generally appreciated.

Titles & Business Cards

• Most people will want to interact on a first name basis as quickly as possible. It's best to begin addressing people using, Mr., Mrs. or Miss, followed by the surname, and then wait for them to invite you to call them by their first name.
• There is no specific protocol surrounding the giving and receiving of business cards.

Meetings

• It is best to show up on time or even early if you wish to exchange pleasantries beforehand.
• For a meeting with clients you tend to shake hands with the clients but not necessarily your colleagues (whom you have probably greeted earlier).
• Generally some small talk is acceptable but probably no more than a few relevant questions (e.g. did you have any trouble finding the building? How was your flight? etc.).
• Depending on the nature of the meeting, who called it etc., there will be an appointed representative from one side who starts it, follows the agenda, and concludes it.
• At any kind of meeting of function there will almost always be light snacks and refreshments.

Negotiations

• In markets and shops, prices are usually set and written down.
• It’s best to avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation.
• Bargaining is not expected and is even frowned upon.
• It’s important to be direct about intentions and supporting them with hard facts and figures is a good idea.

Gift Giving

• Gifts aren’t generally exchanged in business situations.

• If invited over to someone’s home, it is polite to bring a small gift, such as chocolate, wine, or pastries.

In the Classroom

• The school year at most institutions begins at the end of January and ends in mid- December. The school year is divided into four terms with two weeks holiday between terms and 6 weeks between school years.

• Regarding dress, anything goes for university students. Most common is probably jeans and t-shirts but varies from sweat pants to mini skirts, kilts to board shorts.

• Clothing that is over provocative tends to be frowned upon. Piercings are common as are t-shirts with personal/political slogans.

• Bad personal hygiene is considered unacceptable.

• Most courses are made up of 2-3 lectures per week and 2 tutorials. Science courses are more experientially based. Post grad courses are more tutorial with some group and some individual work.

• Grades given depend on the institution. Most schools use an A-E scale with A being the highest and D/E being failing.

Other Observations

• Topless sunbathing is rare to non-existent, although there are some nudist beaches.
• If you meet someone they may invite you to their house for drinks, or even lunch or a bbq.

• Don’t involve yourself too heavily into the drinking culture and then miss out on everything else NZ student life has to offer.