Becoming A Kiwi

The New Zealand way of life is quite different from the British. Until recently there were no cosy pubs where you could wind down at the end of the day, or enjoy an entertaining evening out. A few smaller pubs have now started to appear but on the whole the pubs are large and noisy, with strange elbow-high tables scattered around the rooms where the men seem to enjoy standing and leaning while drinking their beer.

Until roughly 25 years ago, drinking was referred to as ‘the six o‘clock swill’. That was because pubs closed at 6.00 p.m., and everyone had to drink their drink quickly and leave.

Restaurants

A new trend that seems to be becoming extremely popular is ‘dining out’. In Wellington alone there are enough restaurants for you to dine out at a different one every day of the year! Wine bars are also very popular with the younger set, and in some you may find live music.

Cinema

It would seem, according to recent figures in the local press, that New Zealanders are the world’s most avid cinema-goers. Cinema complexes which hold two, three or even four screens are springing up all over the main cities.

‘bring A Plate’

It is very common to be invited to an evening gathering of friends and be asked to ‘bring a plate’. This doesn’t mean an empty plate! You are expected to concoct some delicacy and share it with everyone else who will be doing the same thing. When I first came to New Zealand I innocently took along an empty plate, thinking perhaps that the hostess was running short of crockery – I remember the strange looks I got!

Dress

Dress here is rather casual, so aim for the middle of the road look if you are unsure as to how you should dress for an event that doesn’t indicate the requirements. Shirts and trousers for the men, both can be short in the summer. Until you are sure of the expectations, the ladies should dress simply, not over dressy. Don’t wear the crown jewels until you have found your ground.

Playing The Game

Sport is the life, blood and soul of a great majority of New Zealanders, the national game being rugby. Weekends during the season are taken up with games being played all over the country, and television is completely taken over at weekends with replays, and then replays of the replays!

Parents of young children can be seen huddled against the cold supporting their young prodigy’s efforts on the field. Very young kiwis can even be seen doing the ‘haka’ before their interclub matches begin. They all have aspirations to be another Jonah Lomu. Netball is very popular for girls, as is hockey. In the summer tennis clubs are popping at the seams with likely players, and there will invariably be a waiting list to join.

New Zealand is generously endowed with wonderful golf courses. The green fees vary, but at weekends you can expect to pay around $20 for 18 holes.

Water sports are high on the activity list with sailing being very popular. After winning the America’s Cup in 1995, the continual talk has been of yachting. The harbours and lakes can be seen to be cluttered with a myriad of sailing boats. In fact most families enjoy time on the water during the summer, whether being propelled by wind or motor.

Some Topical Issues In New Zealand

There are several topical issues concerning the New Zealand public, and you are likely to find them widely discussed. These are some of them.

Hardcore Unemployment

People are becoming quite concerned at the growing number of redundancies, and the fact that so many people in the middle years are unable to find another job. The Government is now trying to encourage children to stay on at school, rather than leave and go ‘on the dole’: even after going to university and graduating, many young people are still unable to find work. There is also concern that there will be a core of people who will never be able to find employment in their lifetime again.