What are some cultural do's and don'ts in New Zealand?

Adjusting to a new culture takes time. While everyone's experiences and expectations are different, the following tips reflect common social customs in New Zealand and may help you feel more confident in everyday situations. 

Everyday courtesy:

• Say "please" when asking for something.
• Say "thank you" when someone helps you or does something for you. A verbal "thank you" is generally preferred over simply smiling or nodding.

If you make a mistake:
If you accidentally do something wrong, a simple apology such as "I'm sorry", followed by a brief explanation if appropriate, will often help resolve any misunderstanding.

Meeting new people:

• Some New Zealanders shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, although not everyone does.
• If you shake hands, a short, firm handshake is common.

 Conversation and personal space:

• Looking at the person you are speaking with is generally considered a sign of attention and respect.
• People in New Zealand often stand about an arm's length apart during conversations to respect each other's personal space.

Shopping:

• Speak politely to shop staff.
• Prices are generally fixed, so bargaining or negotiating is uncommon except in some situations, such as purchasing high-value items or buying in bulk.

Borrowing items:
If you borrow something, return it clean and as soon as possible.

When borrowing an item, it is polite to ask:

• "How long can I borrow this for?"
• "When would you like it back?"

 Saying "no":

• If someone says "no", they generally mean it, so it is important to respect their decision.
• If you are offered something you do not want, it is perfectly acceptable to politely decline by saying "No, thank you."

If you don't understand:
New Zealanders may speak quickly. If someone is speaking too fast, it is fine to ask: "Could you please slow down?"

If you are unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask questions. People in New Zealand are generally happy to help.