Exploring New Zealand's culture is an important part of your overseas study experience.
Kiwis (a nickname from our native bird) like to spend their spare time outdoors going on bush walks or enjoying the beach. The café culture is also big here, and there are many sports teams you can join.
Some Kiwi customs include shaking someone’s hand when you meet them whether they are male or female. It is also important to treat all people with kindness and respect regardless of their profession or gender. We have no class system here in New Zealand.
The Māori culture, including its customs, traditions and language, is an important part of New Zealand life. The Māori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, which means Land of the Long White Cloud. Auckland is known as Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori. English is the most widely spoken language in New Zealand, but you may see the common Māori words below from time to time.
|
aroha |
love |
|
awa |
river |
|
haere mai |
welcome |
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haera rā |
farewell |
|
haka |
tribal dance |
|
hangi |
traditional feast prepared in an earth oven |
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hongi |
a formal greeting |
|
iwi |
tribal group |
|
kai |
food |
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ka pai |
good |
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kaumatua |
elder |
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kia ora |
hello |
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koha |
gift |
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mana |
respect, prestige |
|
manuhiri |
guests, visitors |
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marae |
a gathering place |
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maunga |
mountain |
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moana |
sea |
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Pākehā |
New Zealander of non-Māori descent, usually European |
|
pounamu |
greenstone, jade |
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powhiri |
formal greeting |
|
tamariki |
children |
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tāne |
man, husband |
|
tangata whenua |
people of the land – local / indigenous people |
|
tapu |
sacred |
|
te reo Māori |
the Māori language |
|
wahine |
woman, wife |
|
wai |
water |
|
waiata |
song |
|
waka |
canoe |
|
whānau |
family |
|
whare |
house |
You might also hear locals using some unfamiliar and unusual English phrases here. Don't worry, you'll pick up the local slang soon enough. Here are a few informal phrases to get you started.
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yeah nah |
maybe |
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BYO |
bring your own drinks |
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bring a plate |
bring a dish of food to share |
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togs |
swimwear |
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bach |
holiday home |
|
bro |
brother or good friend |
|
jandals |
a type of sandal popular here |
|
sweet as |
not a problem |