New Zealand Business - Kwintessential
Facts and Statistics
Location: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia
Capital: Wellington
Population: 3,993,817 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: New Zealand European 74.5%, Maori 9.7%, other European 4.6%, Pacific Islander 3.8%, Asian and others 7.4%
Religions: Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%, Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 33% (1986)
Language in New Zealand
The two official languages of New Zealand are English and Maori. English is the language of day-to-day business within New Zealand, a remnant of ties to the British Commonwealth. Maori is a Polynesian language similar to the languages of other Pacific Island cultures, such as Hawaiian, Tongan, and Samoan. Over 160,000 people in New Zealand speak Maori (2001 Census).
The Maori language has been part of New Zealand and its culture since the first people came to the Islands. However, Maori has only been recognised as an official language of New Zealand since the Maori Language Act of 1987. English-Maori bilingualism and the development and use of the Maori language is encouraged by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori-the Maori Language Commission.
Maori and English are used throughout the country in various television and radio programs. As with other regions in the world where two cultures have been mixed, English has influenced Maori and Maori has influenced English. A number of words in each language have crossed in to the vocabulary of the other. English has introduced motuka (car) and Maori has replied with taboo (tapu).
Many places in New Zealand have been christened with two names - one English, one Maori. And, in some cases, these names are used interchangeably
Kiwi Society & Culture
Kiwi Demeanour
. New Zealanders are friendly, outgoing, somewhat reserved initially yet polite, and enjoy extending hospitality.
. They are quite easy to get to know as they say hello to strangers and will offer assistance without being asked.
. Because they do not stand on ceremony and are egalitarian, they move to a first name basis quickly and shun the use of titles.
. Kiwis dress casually, but neatly.
. Most restaurants do not have dress codes and except in business, dress is decidedly casual.
. Business dress is conservative, although jackets may be removed and shirtsleeves rolled up when working.
Environmentalism
. Kiwis are environmentally concerned and have a strong desire to preserve their country's beauty.
. One of the major local issues is the importing of predators.
. Border controls are very tight and there are huge fines for importing food or other natural products such as wood, cane etc.
. The local attitude towards the environment is largely influenced by the viewpoint of the indigenous population, the Maoris.
. They believe that all things have a 'mauri' - a life force.
. Damage to this life force, or human attempts to dominate it, result in the mauri losing its energy and vitality, which affects the lives of people as well as the resilience of ecosystems.
. Maintaining the mauri of the environment and ecosystem resilience are equally important for sustainable development.
Egalitarianism
. The country has no formal class structure.
. Wealth and social status are not important to Kiwis.
. They take pride in individual achievements and believe that opportunities are available to all.
. As a 'welfare state' unemployment benefits, housing and access to health is all available free of charge to those who can't afford it.
Etiquette and Customs
Meeting and GreetingEtiquette in New Zealand
. Greetings are casual, often consisting simply of a handshake and a smile.
. Never underestimate the value of the smile as it indicates pleasure at meeting the other person.
. Although New Zealanders move to first names quickly, it is best to address them by their honorific title and surname until they suggest moving to a more familiar level or they call you by your first name.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. If invited to a Kiwi's house, bring a small gift such as flowers, chocolates, or a book about your home country to the hosts.
. Gifts should not be lavish.
. Gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
. New Zealanders are casual as is reflected in their table manners.
. The more formal the occasion, the more strict the protocol.
. Wait to be told where to sit.
. Meals are often served family-style.
. Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.
. Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. They will not look askance, however, if you adopt American table manners.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.
Business Etiquette & Protocol
Relationships & Communication
. New Zealanders can be somewhat reserved, especially with people they do not know.
. Once they develop a personal relationship, they are friendly, outgoing and social.
. Do not appear too forward or overly friendly.
. They respect people who are honest, direct, and demonstrate a sense of humour.
. They trust people until they are given a reason not to.
. If this happens in business the breach will be difficult to repair and business dealings may cease or become more difficult.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are usually necessary and should be made at least one week in advance by telephone, fax or email.
. It is generally easy to schedule meetings with senior level managers if you are coming from another country if the meeting is planned well in advance.
. It can be difficult to schedule meetings in December and January since these are the prime months for summer vacation.
. Arrive at meetings on time or even a few minutes early.
. If you do not arrive on time, your behaviour may be interpreted as indicating that you are unreliable or that you think your time is more important than the person with whom you are meeting.
. Meetings are generally relaxed; however, they are serious events.
. Expect a brief amount of small talk before getting down to the matter at hand.
. If you make a presentation, avoid hype, exaggerated claims, hyperbole, and bells and whistles. New Zealanders are interested in what people 'can do' not what they say they can do.
. Present your business case with facts and figures. Emotions and feelings are not important in the New Zealand business climate.
. Maintain eye contact and a few feet of personal space.
Negotiations
. The negotiating process takes time.
. Do not attempt high-pressure sales tactics.
. Demonstrate the benefits of your services or products rather than talking about them.
. Start your negotiations with a realistic figure. Since this is not a bargaining culture, New Zealanders do not expect to haggle over price.
. Kiwis look for value for their money.
. Do not make promises you cannot keep or offer unrealistic proposals. Kiwis do not generally trust people who have to oversell!
. They are quite direct and expect the same in return. They appreciate brevity and are not impressed by more detail than is required.
. Agreements and proposals must state all points clearly. All terms and conditions should be explained in detail.
. Stick to the point while speaking.
. Kiwis appreciate honesty and directness in business dealings.
Links and Information about New Zealand
* Currency - the currency of New Zealand is the dollar (NZD). Use the free currency converter to compare to dollars, GBP or Euro.
* Weather - visit Yahoo!'s up to date Weather for New Zealand.
* News - check out all the latest Google news on New Zealand.
* Intercultural Know-how - use the Intercultural Business Communication tool for tips.
* Dialling Code - the international dialling code is +64.
* Time - New Zealand is +12 hours GMT.
* History - read about the long and rich history of New Zealand.
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