New Zealand Culture & Customs

Culture & Customs

New Zealand is a member of the British Commonwealth, and the majority of the population are of British descent. However, New Zealand's indigenous Maori make up around 14 percent of the population. Following the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, there has been a relatively high level of co-operation between the two groups. Maori customs are still upheld in various ways, for example the start of the national anthem is in Maori, while a famous site is the traditional Maori War Dance known as the 'Haka', which is performed by New Zealand's national sports teams before international matches, most notably Rugby matches. Another part of the New Zealand culture is the national bird, the Kiwi, which is a flightless bird, about the size of a domestic hen, and has an extremely long beak and plumage that is more like hair than feathers. New Zealanders are colloquially known as 'Kiwis', their currency frequently dubbed the 'Kiwi dollar' and their major fruit is the 'Kiwi fruit' which is exported throughout the world.

Tipping is not expected in restaurants or bars where the price of service components is included in the quoted price for items. That said tipping is not unknown and is generally offered for outstanding service. In some bars and cafes a “tip jar” is located on the counter an loose change given back after payment for a meal is commonly put into the jar. This practice is however by no means expected.

Generally speaking the price advertised is the price paid for items in shops and bartering is not practiced. Some larger establishments such as department stores may offer a price matching service if cheaper price is found elsewhere, and traders at craft or food markets often can be flexible and may offer a deal.