New Zealand Tipping Protocol, New Zealand Gratuities, & New Zealand Culture

Clothing

• DO dress conservatively and formally for business occasions. Men should wear dark suits with a conservative tie and white shirt. Women should wear suits, dresses, or skirts and blouses in modest colours.
• DO wear casual attire for less formal occasions. Keep your clothes neat.

Food/Drinks

• DO keep your hands above the table, but don't put your elbows on the table, either!
• DO put your fork and knife parallel on the plate with the handles facing to the right when you are done eating.
• DON'T be loud and obnoxious while drinking.
• DO expect afternoon tea between 3 and 4 PM. Tea is between 6 and 8 PM, served along with a meal. Supper is a light snack, such as coffee and dessert, and is served later.

Gifts

• DO open your gift upon receipt.
• DO give gifts such as flowers, chocolate, liquor, or a book about your home country.

Visting Someone's Home

• DO bring your hosts a gift.
• DO bring your own beer (B.Y.O.) if invited to a barbecue. You may also be invited to bring your own meat or a salad.

Business

• DO make an appointment at least a week in advance, by fax, phone, or email. Avoid December and January, which is summer vacation in New Zealand.
• DON'T be late! It will make an incredibly bad impression.
• DON'T expect New Zealanders to try to negotatiate. It's not part of their culture, so start negotations realistically.
• DON'T make promises you can't keep or make exaggerated claims.
• DO be direct and honest.

Marae Visits

• DO visit a marae, which a sacred place that serves both social and religious purposes in Maori society. Maori are the indigneous Polynesian people of New Zealand. If you wish to visit a marae, you should do so in an organized marae visit.
• DON'T enter a marae without seeking permission first.
• DO follow the lead of those around you, as there is often protocol to be followed in Maori welcoming and greeting, but the protocol can vary.
• DON'T eat food until it has been blessed.
• DO show your gratitude and respect by singing a song from your home country.
• DO ask permission before photographing Maori buildings or landmarks.

Other

• DO exchange handshakes and smiles upon greeting someone. Maintain eye contact during greetings.
• DO wait for a woman to extend her hand for a handshake first.
• DO say "How do you do?" when first meeting someone. Once you get to know a person "Hello" is an acceptable greeting.
• DO understand that the word "kiwi" is not an offensive name when referring to New Zealanders. They will call themselves kiwis, too!
• DON'T confuse New Zealanders with Australians.