International Students
As mentioned in the previous section, the ethnic make-up of the New Zealand population is diverse, with a mix of Pasifika people (people from the Pacific region), Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, European, and Mäori ethnic groups. People in New Zealand are generally friendly and many love sports and the outdoors. New Zealand people | 100% Pure New Zealand (newzealand.com)
Mäori make up approximately 16% of New Zealand’s population. Mäori societal structure is made up of three levels: the individual whänau or family, which is connected through whakapapa (genealogy) to a hapü (or a subtribe), which in turn is connected to an iwi (or main tribe) and then back to the ancestral waka or canoe. Whakapapa is important to Mäori as it:· is a source of identity· confirms family relationships· connects Mäori with the land· is the heart of Mäori culture Both Mäori and English are official languages, with English the main language spoken. You will come across Mäori words, culture and customs during your time here (refer to ‘Glossary of Common Mäori Words’ on p. 62 of the Appendix for a list of common Mäori words and their meanings). If you are invited to a marae, a Mäori communal place, you may be given a powhiri, or welcome. After every speech there is a Mäori song. To learn about Mäori customs go to: https://www.tepapatongarewa.com
Adapting to life in New Zealand can be a unique experience for students from around the world. There are several cultural aspects of daily life in New Zealand that may feel new, but understanding these differences can make your transition easier and more enjoyable.
New Zealanders are known for their casual and relaxed approach to life, which extends to their style of dress. They often dress informally for everyday activities, like going to cafes or shopping. You may also notice a certain directness in how New Zealanders communicate; they are generally straightforward and may not hesitate to speak frankly, which might feel unusual if you’re used to more indirect ways of communication.
In social situations, punctuality can be more flexible than in professional or formal settings. For instance, if someone says they’ll meet you at 1:30 pm, arriving a bit late is usually acceptable and isn’t seen as impolite. For professional appointments, however—like seeing a doctor or meeting a lecturer—punctuality is important, and it’s best to schedule appointments ahead of time.
If you’re ever unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask. New Zealanders are typically friendly and open to questions, so asking for help is encouraged.
Personal privacy is highly valued in New Zealand. Topics such as income, mortgages, and age are generally kept private and are rarely discussed outside close family or friendships. You may also find that behaviours like staring or making personal comments about someone’s appearance—whether about weight, hair colour, or other physical attributes—are considered intrusive or rude. Politeness in language is also appreciated, so saying “please” and “thank you” when you receive help or pay for goods will go a long way in making a good impression
There are some public behaviours that New Zealanders view as impolite, such as spitting or littering. People also tend to speak quietly in public spaces like on public transport, even when with friends. You’ll also notice that many New Zealanders have pets, especially cats and dogs, and animal companionship is an integral part of New Zealand life.
Sport is a major passion, with rugby being especially popular. Joining a sports club or participating in recreational activities can be a fantastic way to meet people and
make friends, as many New Zealanders are either players or avid fans of various sports.
Educational institutions and some workplaces may be open on weekends, although classes are rarely held on Saturdays or Sundays. Young adults often gather in social settings like pubs, bars, or cafes rather than formal restaurants, which are generally more expensive. Drinking alcohol is common but not expected; it’s perfectly fine to abstain if you prefer.
Tipping isn’t customary in New Zealand, although you may find a container for tips at some cafes and restaurants. Bargaining is generally not practiced in everyday shopping, but for larger purchases like cars, appliances, or furniture, you may find some room for negotiation. Open-air markets are among the few places where bargaining might be appropriate.
Finally, New Zealanders increasingly rely on electronic payment methods rather than cash, so it’s not necessary to carry large amounts of money. Debit and credit card payments, as well as digital payment methods, are widely accepted throughout the country.
Each of these cultural traits helps define life in New Zealand. Embracing these differences and adapting to them can make your experience more enjoyable and help you connect meaningfully with locals and other students.
According to 2001 Census information, nearly two million people in New Zealand are Christian (Anglican, Catholic and Presbyterian are the main denominations), and about one million do not have a religious affiliation. Other religions in New Zealand include Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Spiritualism.
As mentioned above, it is common for New Zealanders to keep a pet (dog, cat, fish, bird, rabbit etc.) However, some people are allergic to cat or dog hair. Antihistamine tablets can treat these allergies and can be purchased at chemists.You should also be cautious about approaching dogs. Some safety tips for being around dogs include:· Always ask permission from a dog’s owner before approaching or touching a dog.· Supervise children at all times when a dog is nearby.· Stay away from a dog who is feeding, has pups or is asleep.· Move quietly and slowly away from a dog if you are uneasy about it.· Never taunt or annoy dogs.· Don’t act excited around a dog, or run, ride, or skate, close to a dog.· Do not run away from a dog. Move back slowly.· Do not force anyone who is afraid to pet a dog. (People afraid of animals sometimes make a dog uneasy, and so the dog is more likely to bite.)