The earliest known inhabitants of New Zealand were the Maori tribespeople, who came across the sea from Polynesia around a.d. 900. The first European explorers were the Dutch, who arrived in 1642 and continued to visit while on whaling and trading expeditions. British exploration began in 1769 with Captain James Cook, who visited New Zealand on all three of his Pacific voyages. Cook thought highly of the islands and the natives; his journal, published in 1777, encouraged Europeans to trade with and colonize New Zealand.

 

Unlike nearby Australia, New Zealand never became a major penal colony for the United Kingdom. Most arrivals in New Zealand wanted to be there, although some were Australian convicts or sailors seeking refuge. Increased colonization and missionary activity prompted the British to annex New Zealand in 1838.

 

The Maoris accepted English sovereignty in 1840 in return for legal protection and land ownership, although much of this land was taken away after the Anglo-Maori wars of the 1860s.

 

England granted the colony internal self-government in 1852, and New Zealand became an independent dominion within the British Commonwealth in 1907.

 

Along with Australia, New Zealand fought with the Allies in both the First and Second World Wars. During World War II, the early defeat of Britain’s Pacific forces by the Japanese was a shock to New Zealanders. With Britain unable to defend it, New Zealand accepted military help from the United States.

 

Type of Government

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy. Although independent from Great Britain, it acknowledges the British monarch as its chief of state. The monarch is represented in New Zealand by a governor-general.

 

The present government is a parliamentary system without a written constitution. There is a unicameral House of Representatives and an independent court system. The executive branch is headed by the prime minister and the Cabinet. The prime minister is the head of the government.

 

New Zealand is active in the United Nations. Relations with the industrial democratic nations of Asia are considered a priority. New Zealand also assists the underdeveloped countries of the Pacific region through economic and technical programs.

 

Because Great Britain was unable to defend them in World War II, New Zealand and Australia accepted military aid from the United States. In 1951, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States signed the ANZUS mutual defense treaty. This treaty has been suspended, however, because of disagreements arising from nuclear arms control.

 

The New Zealand government proclaimed its territory to be a “nuclear-free zone” in 1985, prohibiting ships that carried nuclear arms or were nuclear powered from using its ports. As a result, relations between New Zealand and the United States became strained.

 

The U.S. government would not disclose which of its ships carried nuclear weapons and which did not, so all U.S. military ships were banned. Both the Labour and the National Parties pledged to keep this ban in effect; however, during the 1990s, the situation with the United States improved.

 

In the last decade, New Zealand’s government moved into a globally competitive position technically, economically, and socially.

 

Language

English and Maori are the official languages. Efforts are being made to preserve the Maori language, but most Maoris speak English. A very distinct accent and slang has developed in New Zealand.

 

Cultural Note

Remember that New Zealanders refer to themselves as “Kiwis.” If someone calls you “mate” or a “hard case,” consider it a compliment, for they mean you are a “friend” or a “funny person.” Some Maori words are commonly used, including kai (food) and pakeha (non-Maori).

 

The New Zealander View

Most New Zealanders are Christian. Anglicans are the most numerous, with Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, and Methodists present as well. Almost 20 percent of New Zealanders describe themselves as nonreligious. Rules and laws generally supercede emotional arguments, and self-sufficiency and pragmatism are admirable traits.

 

New Zealanders feel that their individual rights are extremely important, and they support an egalitarian viewpoint. The welfare of their citizens is a top priority. 

 

Know Before You Go

New Zealand is subject to earthquakes and volcanoes. In 1995 and 1996, Mount Ruapehu erupted, and the spreading ash clouds disrupted air travel. Many indigenous fauna and flora were eradicated by the introduction of other species, indiscriminate forestry, and hunting. New Zealand has since established stringent regulations to protect its natural resources and has allocated large tracts of land as protected parklands.

 

New Zealand ranked second out of 146 countries on the corruption perception index in 2004.

 

Cultural Orientation

Cognitive S tyles: H ow N ew Zealanders O rganize and P rocess Information

The prevailing culture of New Zealand is somewhat closed to outside information. The culture has high regard for practical experience but processes information abstractly and conceptually. The New Zealanders’ humanitarianism keeps the welfare of the person as a top priority, but New Zealanders tend to solve problems by looking to universal rules or impersonal laws.

 

Negotiation S trategies: What N ew Zealanders A ccept as E vidence

The accumulation of objective facts forms the basis for truth. Faith in the ideologies of nationalism may have some influence on this truth, but subjective feelings are given very little credence.

 

Value S ystems: T he Basis for Behavior

The culture of New Zealand has a deep humanitarian orientation where humanistic progress is as important as materialistic progress. The following three sections identify the Value Systems in the predominant culture—their methods of dividing right from wrong, good from evil, and so forth.

 

Locus of Decision-Making

There is very high individualism in decision-making, but employees generally follow company policy; so one executive can be exchanged for another without disrupting business negotiations. New Zealanders have a high self-orientation, which emphasizes individual initiative and achievement. They do not expect others to assist them, but they do expect everyone to be subject to the same value system. Friendships are few and specific to needs.

 

Sources of Anxiety Reduction

There are enough external organizations and structures to insulate New Zealanders from everyday pressures and to provide a feeling of security. 

 

Anxiety occurs over deadlines and performance, but emotions are not shown in public. An individual’s greatest reward is to be recognized for his or her accomplishments. There are established rules for almost everything, but these rules can be changed if need be. Experts are relied upon at all levels.

 

Issues of Equality/Inequality

All ethnic groups have been integrated into a truly multiracial society, although some bias against the Maoris continues. There are structured social inequalities that give people an opportunity to work their way up the social ladder. While inequalities do exist, New Zealanders believe that equal rights should be guaranteed to all. Traditional sex roles are changing, as evidenced by the female leadership in the political and business sectors.

 

Cultural Note

New Zealand is known for its advanced social legislation. It was the first member of the British Commonwealth to create old-age pensions (in 1898!). Other early innovations include voting rights for women in 1893, labor arbitration in 1894, and widow’s pensions in 1911.

 

Business P ractices

Punctuality, A ppointments, and Local Time

● Always be on time or a little early for appointments. Tardiness is viewed seriously. 

● Social events tend to start on time.

● The best times to visit New Zealand for business are February through May, and October and November. December and January are summer months, and many people are on vacation.

● If possible, arrange meetings by telephone or e-mail several weeks prior to your arrival.

● New Zealanders write the day first, then the month, and then the year (e.g., December 3, 2010, is written 3.12.10 or 3/12/10).

● New Zealand is twelve hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T. +12), or seventeen hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T. +17).

 

Negotiating

● New Zealanders value their egalitarian society and are very emphatic about equality among people. They respect people for who they are, and have little regard for wealth and social status. Therefore, emphasize honesty and forthrightness in negotiations. Avoid hype and ostentation.

● The business atmosphere may be faster than the pace in Australia.

● Initial meetings often take place in an office setting. After that, you may suggest meeting over lunch at a restaurant or hotel.

● Lunch appointments are for conducting business. If you receive an invitation for dinner, this will be a more relaxed social evening with spouses. This is not the time to discuss business.

 

Cultural Note

The Maori have not been as marginalized as indigenous peoples in other countries have. They have influenced New Zealand’s culture, and their traditions place great value on humility and truth. Maori society is very communal. 

 

Business E ntertaining

● New Zealanders love to entertain in their homes; do not be surprised by an invitation to a meal. Note that there is a difference between “tea” and “afternoon tea.” Afternoon tea is usually served between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m., and tea is the evening meal served between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. “Supper” is a late–night snack.

● Don’t expect much conversation during the meal. Most socializing takes place after you have eaten. 

● Good conversation topics are sports and politics. New Zealanders love the outdoors and are very active in hobbies such as hiking, fishing, or sailing, as well as organized sports.

● Avoid discussing the treatment of the Maori people.

● New Zealanders strive to establish a separate and distinct identity from Australia. There is a strong rivalry between the two countries. Avoid praising Australia or Australians to New Zealanders, and never confuse the two nations.

● New Zealanders are also very opinionated about politics. Hold up your end of the conversation and debate, without becoming insulting or personal. A person who has no apparent beliefs or convictions is not respected in New Zealand. Have some knowledge of New Zealand’s nuclear-free policy and how it leads to tension with other nations.

 

Protocol

Greetings

● New Zealanders are very friendly and polite but tend to be formal in a work environment. They may wait to be approached but are warm after an initial meeting.

● Men shake hands upon introductions and when preparing to leave. The handshake should be firm and accompanied by direct eye contact.

● Men in New Zealand may wait for a woman to extend her hand. Women generally shake hands with other women.

● The formal “How do you do?” is used until a more friendly level is achieved. After that, “Hello” or the New Zealand “G’day” is appropriate for informal settings.

 

Cultural Note

The beautiful traditional greeting among Maori is the Hongi—literally the “sharing of breath.” They do this by gently pressing their noses together. While you may encounter Maori or part-Maori businesspeople, do not expect them to “share your breath”—they will probably expect to shake your hand.

 

Titles/Forms of Address

● The order of names for European-descended New Zealanders is the same as in the United States: first name followed by surname.

● At first meetings, expect to address New Zealanders by their title or “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Miss” plus their surname.

● Once a relationship is established, New Zealanders progress to a first-name basis as quickly as possible. But continue to use titles and surnames until you sense that a more informal tone has been set or until you are asked to address someone by his or her first name.

 

Gestures

● Chewing gum or using a toothpick in public is considered rude.

● The “V for victory” sign is rudeº and is considered obscene when done with the palm facing inward.

● New Zealanders usually keep their speech soft and find loud voices annoying. They do not open their mouths wide when they speak; indeed, they often seem to be speaking through clenched teeth.

● Expansive behavior of any sort, even when drinking, is looked down upon. New Zealanders maintain more of the traditional British reserve than do Australians.

 

Gifts

● When visiting a New Zealand home, you may bring a modest gift. Chocolates, flowers, or a good bottle of whiskey may be appreciated.

● Gifts should be simple and utilitarian. Ostentation is frowned upon.

 

Dress

● Business attire is conservative. Men may wear a dark suit and tie. Businesswomen should wear a suit, pantsuit, dress, or a skirt and blouse with a jacket.

● General dress is casual.

● New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are reversed from those of North America. The climate is temperate, not tropical; bring some warm clothes and rain gear.