Kiwi culture > Auckland International Campus

The Kiwi and Māori culture

Kiwis like to spend their spare time outdoors going on bush walks or enjoying the beach. The café culture is also big here, and there are many sports teams you can join.

Some Kiwi customs include shaking someone’s hand when you meet them whether they are male or female. It is also important to treat all people with kindness and respect regardless of their profession or gender. We have no class system here in New Zealand.

The Māori culture, including its customs, traditions and language, is an important part of New Zealand life. The Māori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, which means Land of the Long White Cloud. Auckland is known as Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori. English is the most widely spoken language in New Zealand, but you may see the common Māori words below from time to time.

aroha	love
awa	river
haere mai	welcome
haera rā	farewell
haka	tribal dance
hangi	traditional feast prepared in an earth oven
hongi	a formal greeting
iwi	tribal group
kai	food
ka pai	good
kaumatua	elder
kia ora	hello
koha	gift
mana	respect, prestige
manuhiri	guests, visitors
marae	a gathering place
maunga	mountain
moana	sea
Pākehā	New Zealander of non-Māori descent, usually European
pounamu	greenstone, jade
powhiri	formal greeting
tamariki	children
tāne	man, husband
tangata whenua	people of the land – local / indigenous people
tapu	sacred
te reo Māori	the Māori language
wahine	woman, wife
wai	water
waiata	song
waka	canoe
whānau	family
whare	house

You might also hear locals using some unfamiliar and unusual English phrases here. Don't worry, you'll pick up the local slang soon enough. Here are a few informal phrases to get you started.

yeah nah	maybe
BYO	bring your own drinks
bring a plate	bring a dish of food to share
togs	swimwear
bach	holiday home
bro	brother or good friend
jandals	a type of sandal popular here
sweet as	not a problem