More Top Tips On Kiwi Culture For Expats And Migrants To New Zealand

Back in 2019 we published our first blog about Kiwi culture to educate people relocating to New Zealand.  The response was amazing!  So, as New Zealand’s post-COVID immigration programme kicks off, here’s an update to help the international newcomers being recruited to jobs in our little piece of paradise in Aotearoa.

Togs

While togs aren't getting much use in Aotearoa these days, hopefully those of you in the Northern Hemisphere are getting to wear yours.  Togs is the way we refer to a swimsuit or bathing suit or swim costume.  Next time you're headed for the pool or beach, maybe you'll put on your togs before you go.

Tall Poppy

Tall poppy references a cultural stereotype about the way New Zealanders relate to success and successful people. It symbolises the fact that, in a group of poppies, the tall one gets cut down. There is a cultural tendency in NZ to prefer someone who is quietly and modestly successful; the one who is overtly successful risks getting cut down. As with any cultural stereotype, it is not universally true but can be found in some circles.

Tapu

In te reo Māori and tikanga (Māori culture), tapu means sacred and typically comes with restrictions or even prohibition. Around Aotearoa, you'll come across signs or hear your Kiwi friends indicate that particular places or things are tapu. An urupā (graveyard) might be considered sacred, as may be a Whare Karakia (Church) and the crater of volcanoes. The head is also considered tapu.

Mahi

On the surface, mahi means ‘work,’ but the true meaning often goes deeper. It encompasses an aspect of effort and pride, a sense of really getting the job done. During recent lockdowns, the government thanked the people for bringing their mahi to the collective effort to stop/slow Covid. You might thank someone who goes above and beyond for their mahi.

Have a yarn

Having a yarn refers to an informal conversation, typically between friends, similar to the term "chat."  "Would you like to meet for coffee tomorrow morning? It’s been a while since we’ve had a yarn."

Wop wops

‘Wop wop’ is the slang way of saying far (real or perceived) from urban areas.

“Where are we?" - “Somewhere in the wop wops.”

Roadie

Roadie is New Zealand slang for a road trip: a journey taken over several days or weeks (or longer!) by car or sometimes by campervan.  This type of trip has a connotation of being somewhat low budget, staying with friends as you cruise around the country or sleeping on board if you have the facilities. It's all about discovering Aotearoa, and the journey is every bit as important as the destinations along the way.

Full On

‘Full on’ is a reference to running at full capacity or being very busy. An energetic or passionate person can also be referred to as being ‘full on’.  

“How are you going?” - “Things are very full on at the moment.”

“Have you met our new neighbour yet? He seems very full on.”

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Mobile Relocation delivers resettlement and relocation programmes for businesses employing offshore talent. Our goal is to get your expat and migrant talent up and running in NZ as quickly as possible - reducing their time to effectiveness in their new role, and enabling them to deliver their skills and expertise to your the benefit of your business.  

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ, and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.