A Guide to New Zealand Culture

Known for its breath-taking natural beauty and its commitment to the environment, New Zealand is also rich in culture. Blending Māori traditions, European heritage and modern multicultural influence, New Zealand has lots to offer expats. 

Whether it’s the laid-back Kiwi lifestyle, traditional Māori cuisine or the country’s love for rugby and the haka that’s drawing you to New Zealand, it’s important to understand the New Zealand culture and any differences with the UK on a deeper level.

Language

There are three official languages in New Zealand; English, the Māori language (Te Reo Māori) and Sign Language.

New Zealand English has a few variations and it may sound similar to an Australian accent, but there is a distinct difference to locals. 

Te Reo Māori is spoken by over 150,000 people in New Zealand who have a dedicated Māori television channel and an official Māori language week. Attempts to increase this native language have largely been successful and the number of people who speak Te Reo Māori is growing.

The New Zealand Sign Language is comparable to British Sign Language but also includes Māori words and has an American influence.

Māori Culture

The Māori culture in New Zealand is an integral part of the country’s history and identity. The Māoris were skilled navigators, who travelled from Polynesia to New Zealand over 2,000 years ago. Upon arrival, they established a community-based culture that was deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs and traditions. They believed in the concept of Mana, which is the power and authority that comes from one’s ancestors.

This belief is still prevalent today, and many Māoris hold on to their cultural practices and customs as a way to connect with their ancestors and maintain their sense of identity. The Māori language, Te Reo, is also an essential part of their cultural heritage. It is a unique language that has its own pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. However, for many years, the language was on the verge of extinction due to the influence of colonialism.

One of the most recognisable symbols of Māori culture is the Haka, a traditional dance that is performed during important events such as weddings, funerals, and sports matches. The Haka is a powerful display of strength and unity that has gained worldwide recognition through the All Blacks rugby team.

Another aspect of Māori culture that has grown in popularity in recent years is traditional Māori tattooing or Ta Moko. These tattoos are more than just body art; they tell a story about the wearer’s identity and ancestry. Each design is unique and represents a specific aspect of the person’s life.

Overall, the Māori culture has played a significant role in shaping New Zealand’s history and identity. It continues to be celebrated and preserved by both Māoris and non-Māoris alike, making it an essential part of the country’s diverse cultural landscape.

Religion

New Zealand is a multicultural country with a diversity of religions. Around 40% of the population follows Christianity, which is divided into various denominations such as Anglican, Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist.

Hinduism is the second most popular religion in New Zealand with about 2% of the population adhering to it. Buddhism and Islam are other significant religions in the country with around 1% of the population following each. New Zealand is also home to various non-theistic and spiritual belief systems like atheism, agnosticism and pantheism.

The indigenous Māori people of New Zealand have a unique religion called Polytheism. It is a belief system that recognises multiple gods and goddesses, each representing different elements of nature such as land, sea and sky. Although Christianity has had a significant impact on Māori culture over the years, many Māori people still practice their traditional beliefs and customs alongside their Christian faith.

In recent years, there has been an increase in religious diversity in New Zealand due to immigration from countries with different religious backgrounds. As a result, there has been a growing interest in interfaith dialogue and understanding among different religious communities in the country.

The government also recognises the importance of religious freedom and promotes tolerance and respect for all religions through policies and initiatives aimed at promoting social harmony and inclusion.

Alcohol and Smoking

Influenced by its European heritage, New Zealand boasts a diverse alcohol culture. Locally produced alcohol is celebrated in New Zealand, with a strong craft beer scene as well as wine tastings. One of the renowned wine regions, it is heavily respected in New Zealand and plays an important part in social settings. 

Similar to the UK, pubs are seen as social hubs and drinking at sports matches is common. There is however an emphasis on encouraging responsible drinking in the country, by adopting strict drink driving laws. 

In recent years, there has been a significant shift away from smoking in New Zealand, with less than 15% of the population smoking. There is increasing social pressure on smokers to quit, and it’s viewed as outdated and harmful, especially in social settings. The government aims to be a smoke-free country by 2025 and with changing social attitudes, they are on track to do this. 

Social Etiquette 

Kiwis are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. They are generally open to meeting new people, engaging in conversation, and offering assistance if needed. Although New Zealanders tend to be laid-back and friendly, they do value personal space, especially at first meetings. 

Greetings are similar to the UK, with a simple “hello” or “hi” met with a smile or a handshake being the norm. In Māori culture, “Kia ora” is commonly used as a greeting. The hongi is another common traditional greeting where noses are pressed together. This is a sign of respect if you are greeted this way. 

Many social customs are influenced by Māori culture. New Zealanders, Māori or not, are expected to remove their shoes when entering someone’s house. It’s also important in the culture to not sit on tables or desks or anything that’s connected to food to respect the concept of Tapu. 

Cuisine

New Zealand’s cuisine is a delectable fusion of fresh and diverse ingredients, drawing inspiration from its bountiful land and coastal treasures. With a rich culinary heritage rooted in Indigenous Māori traditions and influenced by its multicultural population, New Zealand offers a gastronomic adventure that celebrates the country’s unique flavours.

New Zealand is famous for its flourishing agricultural industry, which is reflected in its cuisine. The country’s focus on using fresh, locally sourced, and high-quality ingredients is evident in its farm-to-table delicacies. You can enjoy grass-fed beef and lamb, free-range poultry, and farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. The farmlands’ pristine condition contributes to the pure and natural flavours of the food. 

The Māori culture also holds a significant place in New Zealand’s culinary landscape. Māori cuisine, known as “kai,” celebrates traditional cooking methods and indigenous ingredients. Immerse yourself in a Māori feast called a hangi, where food is cooked in an underground oven using heated stones. Savour the flavours of succulent meats, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all cooked to perfection. Experience the unique taste of kūmara (sweet potato), rewena bread, and earthy flavours that pay homage to the Māori ancestral traditions.

New Zealand Traits

New Zealanders, or Kiwis, have a range of typical traits that are often associated with their culture and way of life. Here are some common characteristics:

Relaxed Attitude: New Zealanders tend to have a laid-back and relaxed approach to life. They value work-life balance and prioritise leisure time, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends. This attitude contributes to the overall sense of tranquillity and enjoyment of life in New Zealand.

Humility: Kiwis are often modest and down-to-earth, displaying humility in their interactions. Bragging or excessive self-promotion is generally frowned upon. Instead, New Zealanders appreciate modesty, sincerity, and a willingness to work collaboratively.

Love for the Outdoors: With its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, New Zealand offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities. Kiwis have a deep connection with nature and tend to have a strong affinity for outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, surfing, skiing, and sailing. Exploring the outdoors and appreciating the environment is an integral part of the Kiwi way of life.

Resilience and Ingenuity: New Zealanders are known for their resilience and resourcefulness. The country’s remote location and diverse geography have fostered a culture of self-sufficiency and problem-solving. Kiwis often display innovation and adaptability in overcoming challenges, whether it’s in business, sports, or everyday life.

Environmental Consciousness: New Zealand has a strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Many Kiwis actively participate in conservation efforts, and there is a collective sense of responsibility towards protecting the country’s unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems. You’ll find a widespread emphasis on recycling, renewable energy, and eco-friendly practices.

Multiculturalism and Inclusivity: New Zealand is a multicultural society that embraces diversity. Kiwis generally value inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for different cultures and backgrounds. They appreciate learning about other cultures and often celebrate diversity through various festivals, events, and community initiatives.

Love for Sports: Sports, particularly rugby union, holds a special place in New Zealand’s culture. Kiwis are passionate about rugby and proudly support their national team, the All Blacks. Cricket, netball, rugby league, and football (soccer) are also popular sports in New Zealand. Participating in sports and supporting local teams is a common way for Kiwis to connect and bond.

Kiwi Slang

If you’re planning to visit New Zealand, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the local slang. Kiwi slang is a unique blend of Māori, British and Australian English, and includes words and phrases that may be confusing for newcomers.

Every day phrases:

• Sweet as: This phrase is commonly used to mean “all good” or “no problem.”
• Chur: This is a versatile slang term that can be used to express agreement, thanks, or appreciation. It’s similar to saying “cheers”, “thanks” or “cool”. 
• Eh?: This is a tag question used to seek agreement or confirmation. It’s similar to “right?” or “isn’t it?”
• Dairy: In New Zealand, a “dairy” is a convenience store or a small shop where you can buy everyday items.

Māori influence:

• Kia ora: This means “hello”, “hi” or “thank you”
• Haere ma: This can mean “come here” or “welcome” and is used commonly as a greeting
• Kai: This refers to “food” or a “meal”
• Whānau: Whānau means “family” but tends to be also used to describe a close-knit group

Moving to New Zealand From the UK

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