- Greetings are usually informal in social settings.
- First names are commonly used in initial introductions.
- A handshake is the common greeting between strangers. It should be firm and accompanied by eye contact to reflect confidence.
- New Zealanders may laugh lightly at the formality of handshakes during introductions.
- Physical greetings depend on one’s sense of another person’s comfort level.
- People may hug someone they know when greeting them. Close friends may also kiss one another on the cheek to greet, while others may simply offer a nod.
- “ Kia ora ” (Key-or-rah) is an informal greeting for “hello” and “thank you”, and can also be a form of acknowledgement.
- “ Tēnā koe ” (Teh-nah kweh) is a formal greeting to one person, “ Tēnā kōrua ” (Teh-nah cor-roo-ah) is a formal greeting to two people, and “ Tēnā koutou ...
- Māori ritually greet each other with the hongi. This involves two people pressing their noses and foreheads together, holding each other’s heads, and breathing in simultaneously to share the same ...
- The Māori also perform a pōwhiri welcoming ceremony when guests visit. ...
How do you greet someone in New Zealand?
A handshake is the common greeting between strangers. It should be firm and accompanied by eye contact to reflect confidence. New Zealanders may laugh lightly at the formality of handshakes during introductions. Physical greetings depend on one’s sense of another person’s comfort level.
How do Māori greet each other?
Māori ritually greet each other with the hongi. This involves two people pressing their noses and foreheads together, holding each other’s heads, and breathing in simultaneously to share the same moment and breath. This special greeting is generally reserved for formal Māori events.
How to greet each other in different countries?
Handshake is common today, but many people prefer to kiss the other person three times on left, right and then left cheek . Ciao is the word to say hello to each other. People kiss each other four times, twice on each cheek. These natives of New Zealand rub their noses to greet each other. One kiss on a cheek is enough to greet others in Mexico.
What is the Kiwi way of greeting people?
It is just a form of greeting. You normally answer with 'good' or 'I'm well, thanks'. It is also customary to ask them how they are as well. This is especially true when you go to shops or the supermarket. I remember my first encounter with the Kiwi way of greeting.
What is a typical New Zealand greeting?
Kia ora is used as an informal greeting throughout New Zealand. You will hear everyone from the Prime Minister to the local shopkeeper using it in day-to-day conversation. Use kia ora to wish someone well as a greeting or farewell, to say thank you, to affirm support, or to say a friendly 'cheers'.
How do people communicate in New Zealand?
Communication: New Zealanders are relatively indirect communicators ; they do their best not to create conflict and take careful measures to remain polite throughout discussion. This usually involves making hints that vaguely communicate their message without 'rocking the boat'.
What is considered polite in New Zealand?
Do not appear too forward or too friendly. Do dress conservatively and formally for business occasions and casual dress for less formal occasions. Stick to the point while speaking. Do keep your hands above the table, but don't put your elbows on the table, either!
What does Hi mean in NZ?
Kia Ora is a greeting many people outside of New Zealand are familiar with. It can mean a lot of things, too! Kiwis use it to say hello, good morning, good luck, and take care. It's essentially an all-encompassing way to wish someone well.
What is considered rude in New Zealand?
It is often considered impolite to ask a direct question about someone's salary, wealth, weight or age. Spitting in public is considered rude. Calling someone over by yelling “Oi” can be interpreted as rude or even antagonising. To call over a waiter or person of service, do not wave or yell.
What language do New Zealand speak?
MāoriNew Zealand Sign LanguageNew Zealand/Official languages
What are the do's and don'ts of New Zealand?
Dont's in New ZealandDon't smoke. ... Don't overstay when you're in New Zealand. ... Don't give tips. ... Don't eat food unless it is already blessed in Maori.Don't use “V” as a sign of victory.Don't be late.Don't make promises you can't keep.More items...
Why is the New Zealand accent so weird?
Explanations. In the past people complained that the New Zealand accent was due to laziness or bad influences. Today it is thought to be based on the accent of south-east England, where most migrants came from. The accent spread quickly among children in schools.
How do people behave in New Zealand?
New Zealanders can be somewhat reserved, especially with people they do not know. Once they develop a personal relationship, they are friendly, outgoing and social. Do not appear too forward or overly friendly. They respect people who are honest, direct, and demonstrate a sense of humour.
Why do Kiwis say aye?
"Ay" - also spelt "eh" - is a particle that Kiwis love to tack on to the end of a sentence. It can mean anything from "could you repeat that?", to "what do you think?". It's most often used in the same way you would say "right" or "you know". As in: "It's hot today, ay".
How do Kiwis talk?
3:157:24How to Speak with a Kiwi Accent - New Zealand Slang - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell yeah it can be your cousin doesn't necessarily have to be your cousin you say cousin. BecauseMoreWell yeah it can be your cousin doesn't necessarily have to be your cousin you say cousin. Because bro not cousin cozzy yeah oh so you're my cousin. Yeah you're my cousin.
How do you say welcome in NZ?
Maori Language TermsKia ora – hello, goodbye, thank you.Haere mai – welcome.Haere rā - goodbye.Whānau – family.Wāhine - woman.Tāne - man.Whare – house.Āe – Yes.More items...
What does it mean to greet someone in Hongi?
By having friends greet each other within such an intimate space, the hongi represents an action that is more powerful than a mere handshake. By greeting one another at such a close distance, the participants both exchange breath, sharing in the very essence of living with one another.
What is the Hongi greeting?
The Mãori Hongi Greeting of New Zealand. Larry Rivera is a Sydney-based writer, journalist, and editor who has covered the city and its surroundings since 1997. The hongi is the Mãori welcome expressed by the rubbing or touching of noses, something akin to the Western custom of kissing someone by way of greeting; however, ...
What is the Hongi?
The hongi is a New Zealand tradition that stems from an age-old Mãori legend that depicted how women were created. According to legend, woman’s shape was molded from the earth by the gods, yet it had no life until the God Tãne breathed into the molded figure’s nostrils and embraced the gorgeous figure. After breathing into her nostrils the female ...
What does it mean to be a Tangata Whenua?
Should the hongi be performed with you as a visitor, this signifies that you are no longer a mere visitor, you are a tangata whenua, which essentially means that you are to be unified with those performing the hongi with you.
What does "hongi" mean?
The meaning of hongi roughly translates to the "sharing of breath, " which is a fairly significant gesture. Once a visitor, also referred to as a manuhiri, enacts the hongi with a local, a sense of responsibility is also imparted to that individual about their place in the delicate ecosystem of the island.
Where did the Hongi originate?
The tradition resonating behind the hongi dates back to the Mãori origins of the country and is a quintessential aspect of New Zealand's culture. If you're visiting New Zealand and are approached to participate in this sacred and noble gesture, you should always accept on account of the inherent meaning that comes with it.
Hello and goodbye
Formal salutations are relatively straightforward: ‘Hello’ or ‘Good morning’ (or afternoon or evening) in greeting, and ‘Goodbye’ in farewell, accompanied by some pleasantry such as ‘Nice to meet you’ is always acceptable.
Face to face
It is usual to shake hands with both men and women when meeting formally, but is not necessary in casual situations. In a formal Māori situation, shake hands and hongi (press noses briefly). Sometimes, women will kiss the person they are greeting on the cheek. When in doubt, do as others do.
Phones and electronic devices
Do not text, type, listen to or talk on a mobile device while you are interacting with other people – including in a shop, during a meeting or at a meal.
Out and about
If there is a queue for any service, go to the end of it and wait your turn.
At the table
Wait for other people to be served, and wait for any preliminaries such as grace or a karakia (prayer), before starting to eat.
Social situations
Respond promptly to personal invitations, especially if you are asked to ‘RSVP’, and be punctual.
On the roads
As well as observing the Road code, you should be courteous to other drivers.
What is the Maori phrase "See you later"?
13. Ka Kite Ano – See you later. This is one of the most common Maori phrases used in New Zealand. It’s just a more familiar version of your regular see you later and that being said you already know how often you are going to hear it in New Zealand. Also, it is very commonly used by news reporters.
What is the Kiwi symbol?
The bird Kiwi being the national symbol of New Zealand, they view it as a symbol of pride. So, in short you could call them Kiwi without any fear of offending them. 2. Kia Ora – Be well/healthy. Now you can’t easily learn Maori but why not pick up that one phrase which is used everyday to greet each other.
What does "grotty" mean?
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (ਗੁਰਮੁਖੀ) 19. That’s grotty – That’s disgusting. Grotty is a common New Zealandian slang for something dirty, offensive or unpleasant. Grotty is actually an English word but is not as much used anywhere else than in New Zealand. 20. It looks a bit sus – It looks a bit suspicious.
What does "kia ora" mean?
Kia Ora is that phrase, used to greet someone which could help you blend in with the people of New Zealand. 3. Sweet as – No problem/thank you/no worries/. It’s the most versatile term in New Zealand English. It could mean many things varying from okay or no problem to wonderful.
Is it easy to learn Maori?
Before getting into the list you should know that learning a language is no piece of cake. If you want to learn Maori, the language spoken by the indigenous population of New Zealand then it won’t come easy to you. That’s a hard nut to crack.
Do New Zealanders use incomplete sentences?
New Zealanders do have a habit of using incomplete sentences. One of the finest examples of it is this common phrase used in New Zealand “you right”. It’s just a short version of “are you alright”. So, if you hear someone saying this to you just know that they are asking you if everything is okay. 16.
What are some customs in New Zealand?
Some of the customs in New Zealand come from Māori culture. For example, you are often expected to take your shoes off indoors and it is important not to sit on tables or pillows. Māori people will often say a prayer (karakia) to bless food before eating it, and they may greet you with a kiss on the cheek.
Where do the unwritten rules come from in New Zealand?
Some of the 'unwritten rules' in New Zealand come from Māori culture.
What does "bring a plate" mean?
When we say ‘bring a plate’, it means please bring some food. If someone is ‘shouting’, it means they are providing the food or drink at their cost - no one will raise their voice! Drinks after work on Friday are quite common in New Zealand too. This is mainly for work colleagues.
Is smoking allowed in New Zealand?
Smoking. Smoking is increasingly rare in New Zealand and is prohibited in public buildings, including bars and restaurants. Generally, people are expected to smoke outside. If you want to smoke, it is polite to ask the people around you if they mind, even if you are outside.
Do Kiwis say "no"?
Kiwis are generally kind hearted and want to help, so we do not like saying “no”. Sometimes we will say “no” in an unclear way, which can be confusing to newcomers. We may say “not sure” or “not really”. We may even say “yeah nah”, which means “probably not”.
What is the norm to greet each other?
A casual embrace (not the full hug) is the norm to greet each other. For people who are close, there is a tradition to kiss once on the right cheek.
What is the best way to greet people?
Even though a handshake, smile, and a wave is considered as a good way to greet others in most parts of the planet, the following is a list of ways in which people greet others in different countries of the world.
What is the most common greeting?
It is customary to greet others when you meet them to acknowledge their presence and also to make your presence felt. A warm handshake is perhaps the most common form of greeting around the world. People also smile, wave at each other, and even hug to greet others. There are also countries where people kiss on one or both cheeks to greet others.
Why do people bow their hands?
People shake both hands vigorously. They bow in deference of the other person if he is elderly. If it is a woman, bow of the head is considered enough to greet.
Why do people stick their tongues out?
It is believed that by sticking tongues out, they show that they do not have any evil thoughts inside.
Do people kiss on their cheeks?
There are also countries where people kiss on one or both cheeks to greet others. However, there are many other different ways to greet other people in different cultures. If you are a traveler visiting a foreign country, the first thing you notice is the manner in which people greet each other there. Even though a handshake, smile, and ...
What does the forehead and nose mean in New Zealand?
This pressing together of forehead and nose is what New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people call a “sharing of breath.”. The greeting signifies the sacred welcoming of a visitor into Māori culture and is used at pōwhiri (Māori welcoming ceremonies)—although the honor requires an invitation and isn’t extended to everyone.
How to do a handshake in Zimbabwe?
The local handshake between two people entails multiple steps: Clasp right hands, shake up and down once, interlock thumbs, raise your arms to a right angle, grasp hands again, then release to a relaxed “shake” position before letting the other person’s hand go. 6. Clap your hands. Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
What does it mean to honor your elders?
This means greeting seniors and older folks before younger people and always using culture-specific titles and terms of respect upon first meeting. In the Philippines, locals have a particularly unique way of showing their reverence.
What is a handshake?
I n many Western countries, a handshake is considered a warm, respectful greeting when meeting strangers or kicking off business meetings. But in other places in the world, not so much. Taking the time to learn how locals meet and greet is the first step to making a meaningful connection no matter where you are.
How often do people clap their hands in Zimbabwe?
In Zimbabwe, the clapping of hands comes after folks shake in a call and answer style—the first person claps once , and the second person twice, in response. Just be careful how you slap those palms together. Men clap with fingers and palms aligned, and women with their hands at an angle.
Why do monks stick out their tongues?
It all began with monks, who would stick out their tongues to show that they came in peace —and weren’t the reincarnation of a cruel 9th-century king named Lang Darma, who was known for having a black tongue. Needless to say, the greeting caught on. 2. Bump noses. Qatar, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates.
How to say hello in Morocco?
In Morocco, touch the back of your right hand to the back of the other person’s right hand to complete the gesture. In Rwanda, grasp the other person’s wrist, unless, of course, their hands are muddy too, in which case, just touch wrists to convey “hello.”.
