Greetings

• Handshakes, used when greeting and leaving, are firm and accompanied by eye contact.
• "How do you do?" is common in formal settings. "Hello" or "G'day" is for friends.

• At first meetings, address New Zealanders by their title or Mr., Mrs., Mis, and their surname.
• Once a relationship is established, New Zealanders quickly progress to a first-name basis.

• Always be on time or early to appointments. Tardiness is bad business.
• December and January are summer months--many people will be on vacation.

• New Zealanders value their egalitarian society. Emphasize honesty and forthrightness in negotiations. Avoid hype and ostentation.

• New Zealanders love to entertain. Afternoon tea is between 3 and 4 p.m. The evening meal, served between 6 and 8 p.m. is also called tea.
• New Zealanders are vocal about politics. Someone without apparent beliefs or convictions loses credibility and respect.