What is the etiquette for greeting people in New Zealand?

Post ByAdequate Travel

Summary

Greeting someone in another country is an important way to show respect and demonstrate cultural understanding. If you are new to New Zealand and would like to brush up your etiquette for greetings, this short blog post will explain the most common forms of greetings and manners to observe in New Zealand. As you prepare for your journey, familiarize yourself with the specific entry requirements, including any necessary visas or documentation.

Greeting Etiquette in New Zealand

1. Handshake:

When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to greet them with a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact and smile during the handshake to show friendliness and respect.

Example: "Hello, nice to meet you. My name is John."

2. Māori Greeting:

In New Zealand, the Māori culture is significant. To show cultural respect, you can use a traditional Māori greeting called "hongi." This involves pressing your nose and forehead lightly against the other person's when saying hello.

Example: "Kia ora! Would you like to exchange a hongi?"

3. Verbal Greeting:

Regardless of the formality, saying "hello" or "hi" when meeting someone is common in New Zealand. Adding a person's name to the greeting is a polite gesture and displays attentiveness.

Example: "Hello, Sarah! How are you today?"

4. Casual Greeting:

In a more relaxed setting, using informal greetings such as "G'day" or "Hey" is widely accepted in New Zealand. This is especially common among friends and acquaintances.

Example: "G'day mate, how's it going?"

5. Smiling and Eye Contact:

It is considered polite to smile and make direct eye contact while greeting someone in New Zealand. This demonstrates friendliness and genuine interest in the person you are meeting.

Example: *Smile* "Good to see you, Mike. How have you been?"

6. Hugs and Kisses:

While hugging and kissing on the cheek may be common in some cultures, it is not the norm in New Zealand unless you are close friends or family. It is safer to stick with a handshake or verbal greeting until you develop a closer relationship.

Example: *Offer a handshake* "Hi, nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you."

Remember, New Zealand is a diverse country, so these greetings may vary among individuals and regions. It is always best to gauge the situation and follow the lead of the person you are meeting when it comes to greetings.It's essential to stay updated with international travel information, especially when planning a foreign trip, to navigate any changes in travel advisory or travel warnings.

What is the etiquette for greeting people in New Zealand?

Post ByAdequate Travel

Summary

Greeting Etiquette in New Zealand

Suggested Questions

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