Sociable and indulgent
Kiwis like to do things together, to get to know their fellow human beings and to discover their homeland together. On many of the holidays, it is common to get together with family and friends. International students get to know this life especially during a homestay.
Many New Zealanders spend their free time at home or in nature. Eating or drinking together plays a major role in everyday life and always offers an opportunity to meet. The main meal takes place in the evening with the family. In the case of a so-called pot luck, the request to bring a plate applies so that each guest brings something to eat. On Fridays, New Zealanders meet for after-work drinks, usually without a companion.
Those who stay in one of the student dormitories on campus will also experience the hospitality and sociability of their fellow students in New Zealand up close. There is a lively campus life at the universities with a few events and clubs. Parties usually take place in the student dormitories or students meet for club hopping. The pub culture is not as pronounced as in Great Britain or Ireland. But it is also common in New Zealand to order a round for fellow campaigners in the pubs, the so-called shouting. In return, the others invite you to the next round.
The gastronomy does not serve alcohol on Sundays. BYO (Bring Your Own) applies in some cases. This means that guests aged 18 and over are allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages, which they can buy in special bottle stores. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in public places and drunkenness will not be tolerated in public. For smokers it is natural to ask the bystanders for permission. Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings in New Zealand.
Sport and closeness to nature
In New Zealand, people like to keep moving not only mentally, but also physically. Hitchhiking, kayaking and skiing are popular leisure activities in the outdoor paradise. Many have a special love for water. The metropolis of Auckland is not considered the City of Sails for nothing. The special bond with nature and the appropriately maintained hiking or nature reserves are a reason for many students to discover New Zealand, especially on weekends.
In order to protect the unique nature, strict entry regulations apply, which students should definitely find out before arriving to study.
Team sports are very important in New Zealand. In addition to rugby union, the national sport is cricket in summer and netball, especially for women. The list of relevant sports in New Zealand is long. All over the world, the New Zealanders stand out for their success in rugby. Here, too, respect for one another plays an important role, both on and off the sports field. The players accept the decisions of the referee without much discussion and the integrity of the opponents is a priority for everyone involved. In addition, the fans mingle in the stands to cheer their teams on together.
The All Blacks, New Zealand’s most famous rugby team, also emphasize the cultural connection with the Māori. On special occasions, the team performs a haka, a ritual dance of the Māori. This spectacle is a special honor for the opponent.
Behavioral tips for New Zealand
According to 3rjewelry, cultural characteristics in New Zealand include certain behaviors that, as in all other cultures, trigger certain reactions in the locals. In some respects the German and New Zealand cultures are similar. It starts with the greeting. Similar to Germany, the handshake and a smile are common forms of greeting. Those who know each other better greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. The Māori have the hongi, in which the noses touch.
Similar to the USA, New Zealanders greet each other with a friendly “ How are you? “And do not expect a detailed report on the state of health or soul of the person asked. On the North Island, this greeting phrase is often ” Kia Ora “. Just like in Germany, courtesy and ” Thank you ” or ” Please ” are always well received. European table customs and consideration in everyday life are a matter of course for many in New Zealand.
Kiwis often speak quickly and with specific slang. For example, many questions end in Eh or Aye. If you don’t understand something, just ask politely or ask to speak more slowly.
Here are some behavioral tips for living in New Zealand so that you don’t step into any cultural faux pas:
| DOS | Donts |
| Courtesy and kindness | Shoving, scolding, bragging |
| Confidence and a positive attitude | An overly direct or demanding kind |
| Ask if something is unclear | Talking about personal topics like salary, childlessness, being single or weight |
| Punctuality and honesty | False promises or exaggerations |
| Sociability and humor | Discrimination of any kind |
| If you are invited at home, the host is happy to receive a small souvenir, such as books or chocolates from your home country. | Keep your street shoes on when entering a private house, and customers often have dirty shoes outside shops |
| Māori are happy if they bring songs with them, as singing together has a community-building effect. | Sitting on tables or pillows in the company of Māori, especially in holy places |
| V-Sign (offensive gesture in Ireland, Australia, South Africa and Great Britain) | |
| Throwing litter on the streets as environmental protection is a big issue in New Zealand | |
| Tipping is rather uncommon. | |
| Smoking inside closed rooms or groups, there are designated areas for this |
