Top Tips on Customs to Follow in New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most popular countries for Brits to move to because there is no language barrier, and a lot of the customs and practices are the same as you’d find in England. However, there are one or two subtle but important differences.
So if you are thinking about an overseas house move to New Zealand, here are a few pointers about how you will be expected to behave when you arrive for your new life in the country.
Sharing Food
New Zealanders like to describe themselves as ‘friendly but reserved’. Although they are happy to help, they don’t like sharing much personal information about themselves. One way of breaking the ice is at a meal, either at a barbecue or more formal occasion with neighbours, or a social function related to your child’s school.
It’s common practice for guests to bring something, either food or wine. Even if the host or organiser says ‘don’t bring anything,’ it’s often good form to come with a small gift. Being invited round for coffee or tea is also quite common.
Eating Out
When eating out, you aren’t expected to tip because this is usually built into the bill. However, you should be prepared to pay at the counter, often in advance, rather than waiting for the waiter or waitress to come with the bill. Otherwise, it follows normal European dining etiquette and there are no rigid rules regarding seating.
For New Zealanders, like Australians, they go big on sweet treats like Pavlovas, and are also keen on seafood like crayfish (above) and mussels. However, there are usually plenty of traditional favourites on the menu like fish and chips and New Zealand lamb.
The Maori Culture
A lot of the country’s cultural differences stem from Maori culture. The Maori are indigenous Polynesian people who first settled in the country in the 14th century. Today, around one in six New Zealanders are classified as Maori, which is an official language of the country.
So what does it mean for customs and practices?
Most people will be familiar with the Haka, a warlike song and dance performed by the All Blacks, the country’s rugby union team, where the whole country (Maoris and non-Maoris) get behind the team. There are other manifestations as well; Maoris have distinct protocols on welcoming visitors, where they should sit in the home, give welcoming speeches and sing a song.
All this is usually done at a Powhiri, a formal affair with its own distinct rules. You will usually be expected to take your shoes off indoors. If the event includes a meal, you shouldn’t eat until the food has been blessed, usually by a Maori elder.
You also shouldn’t get the Maori hangi or hongi confused. The first is a traditional cooking method where meat and vegetables are cooked in a heated hole, and the latter is an intimate greeting where noses and foreheads are pressed together.
Special Days
While New Zealand has many of the same public holidays as the UK, such as at Christmas and Easter, there are a number of others which are peculiar to this Pacific island nation. These include:
- Waitangi Day – marked on February 6, is the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between 40 M?ori chiefs and the English Crown. It is considered New Zealand’s national day, and most places of business are closed, with ceremonies and parades being held around the country.
- Anzac Day – honours those who have served in the country’s armed forces (also in Australia, hence the name), particularly those who lost their lives. It is on April 25 and is marked by services across the country. Most stores are closed until the afternoon.
- Queen’s Birthday – the Monday nearest to June 6 is a public holiday in honour of the Head of State.
Removals to New Zealand with The Moving Partnership
We can help if you’re moving to Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Dunedin or any of the other major towns or cities in the country.
When it comes to getting your belongings to New Zealand, we can offer either a full container load, a groupage service (where you share your shipping container with other parties) and an airfreight option for smaller items like documents or clothes. We also offer free online quotes, and the security of a competitively priced insurance policy.
If you are thinking about an overseas house move to New Zealand, then call us on 0808 280 3652 or follow this link.
