Kiwi Culture 101
(taken from ‘Taking On the Challenge: Strategies for International Students
Studying at Victoria University)
Kia Ora! (Hello!)
You might find this list of Kiwi slang/catchphrases helpful when communicating with the locals:
“Bring a plate” = bring a plate WITH food on it (ie:potluck)
“Choice!” = cool/great
“Cheers” = thank you and goodbye
“Chook” = chicken
“Crook” = sick
“Hi, how are you?” = hello (note: you are usually not expected to reply so don’t get offended if they walk on by)
“Sweet as” = good (they are not complimenting you buttocks)
“Taihoa” = wait/slow down
“Tea” = the drink or could also mean dinner time
“Traditional Kiwi meal” = meat with potatoes and vegetables
“Whakapapa” = a ski resort in North Island (they are not swearing at you)
“Your eyes are bigger than your puku” = you took more than you can eat (puku=stomach)
-put together by Elaine Tan, Malaysia
The things Kiwis do!
▪ They eat rice with a fork instead of a spoon
▪ They walk barefooted around town but wear shoes indoors!
▪ They don’t rinse their cutlery after scrubbing it in hot water filled with soap. (Note: Detergents are biodegradable in New Zealand. You won’t die from them!)
▪ They brush their teeth after breakfast.
▪ “Kiwis like to hassle each other and that usually forms the basis for friendship. Don’t be offended if they tease you as that may mean they want to be friends with you.” – Kirsten Lim, Malaysia
▪ Space and privacy are important to most Kiwis.