New Zealand Etiquette

Etiquette is just as important in New Zealand as it is anywhere else in the world. Here are some traditional customs to keep in mind:

Meeting and Greeting

The greetings in New Zealand are usually casual, often just a simple handshake accompanied by a friendly smile.
New Zealanders tend to quickly move to using first names, but it’s best to address them by their honorific titles and surnames until they suggest a more familiar level and call you by your first name.

The Maori people have their own unique protocols for welcoming and bidding farewell to visitors.
In certain business dealings within a tribal group, a formal welcome called Powhiri may be practiced. This involves specific seating arrangements and designated speakers.
The speeches given during these welcomes are delivered by agreed speakers, with the most important or elder speaker concluding the speeches.
Most of the speeches are given in the Maori language and are accompanied by traditional songs.

It is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers, chocolates, or a book about your home country, when visiting someone’s home. These gifts should not be extravagant.
All gifts are opened when received.

For more formal dining occasions, a stricter protocol is followed.
Wait to be told where to sit.
Meals are often served family-style, where dishes are placed in the center of the table for everyone to share.