Etiquette in New Zealand

An island of nations, mainly the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island, 1500 kilometers east of Australia, New Zealand has a population of about 4.5 million people.

The official languages of New Zealand are English, Maori, and NZ Sign Language. English is spoken by about 95% of New Zealanders.

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The Head of State is the British monarchy, represented locally by the Governor-General. A Prime Minister oversees the Cabinet, which is the highest policy making body in the government.

One of the most secular societies in the world, New Zealand’s population identifies as 55% Christian and 35% with no religion.

The currency is the New Zealand Dollar.

General Etiquette

Although geographically close, New Zealanders identify as a separate and distinct culture and nation from Australia. There is a strong rivalry between the two nations and visitors should be careful not to confuse them.

Good topics of conversation are sports and politics. Many New Zealanders enjoy the outdoors as well as noncompetitive and organized sports. They may also be very opinionated about politics. Engage in the conversation without becoming insulting or personal, as having an opinion is respected more than a person with no apparent convictions or beliefs.

New Zealanders do maintain a soft sense of reserve, similar to the British tradition. Speech is kept soft and loud voices are considered annoying. Chewing gum or using a toothpick in public is considered rude. Expansive behavior of any type is frowned upon.

Our large, non-profit educational group for marketing executives looked for someone knowledgeable on the topic of business etiquette and one name kept rising to the top, Cynthia Lett. Her talk was amazing. Since we were limited by time, she focused on the critical aspects of business interactions. Cynthia is a tremendous resource for any company or organization looking for a protocol course.

Andrew Rose

Director of Marketing and Business Development Naden/Lean, LLC

I hired Cynthia to become an etiquette consultant. She was knowledgeable on every subject and I learned quite a but about the business from her. Many years later she continues to be a resource to me.

Lisa M. Grotts

The AML Group, San Francisco, CA

I can truly say without a doubt, Cynthia Lett consistently delivers quality and professionalism as an international expert in etiquette and protocol. I highly recommend The Lett Group to anyone wanting to get the right information from the very best!

Irene Zucker

President VerbaCom® Executive Development

Cynthia Lett was the top-rated speaker at several international Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) events. She possesses vast knowledge and practical experience in international protocol and etiquette. As a speaker, Cynthia is wonderful at engaging an audience with real examples and practical tools for helping them deal with intercultural protocol and etiquette situations. I would highly recommend her for educational events for any group.

Edward Potter

Association Director Association Management Group, McLean, VA

Cynthia is one of the top business etiquette professionals in the DC area. I recommend Cynthia Lett for your business etiquette needs.

Marva Goldsmith

President & Chief Image Officer

Cynthia is the consummate etiquette and protocol professional. She founded ISPEP to develop and enhance the standards of our profession because she cares so deeply about what we do and the quality of service clients receive.

Hilka Klinkenberg

Founder/President