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As expectations regarding good manners differ from person to person and vary according to each situation, no treatise on the rules of etiquette nor any list of faux pas can ever be complete. As the perception of behaviors and actions vary, intercultural competence is essential. However, a lack of knowledge about the customs and expectations of people in Australia and New Zealand can make even the best intentioned person seem rude, foolish, or worse.

Contents 1 Shared expectations 2 Australia 3 New Zealand 4 See also 5 References

[edit] Shared expectations

Australia and New Zealand are separate countries, each with its own distinct national identity that includes particular customs and rules of etiquette. Nevertheless, points of etiquette that apply to both coutries include the following:

• As with many people around the world, the people of Australia and New Zealand have a certain pride in their national identity. To confuse one with the other demeans them both.
• Handshakes are widely expected when meeting friends or new people and when leaving the company of friends or people who one has just met.
• Requesting a fanny pack can be considered obscene due to use of "fanny" in as slang for female genitalia. "Bumbag" is an acceptable local variation. <ref name="fauxpas2"> Rebecca Falkoff Unintentional Transgressions of the Work Abroad Community Monster.com </ref>
• When using public transport, it is rude to board before letting other passengers disembark.
• When paying a cashier, always place the money in their hand. Placing the money on a surface is considered rude. When paying at a restaurant, however, it is acceptable to leave the money in the provided tray on the table.
• When riding alone in a taxi, it is considered more polite to sit in the front passenger seat next to the driver. <ref name="1,2122,,00.html">Cultural Tips</ref> However, it is not considered impolite for women to choose the back seat if the driver is male, especially at night.
• Queuing is expected when there is any demand for an item. The only exception to this is a tavern. However it is still rude to accept service from a barperson before someone who has been waiting longer. A simple nod or subtle gesture towards the person who has waited longer will be understood any experienced server.
• When out with friends, co-workers or relatives, it is customary for people to take turns buying rounds of drinks. <ref> SIRC [1]</ref>
• Tipping is not expected. Some employees are forbidden from accepting gratuities and tipping face-to-face can be create an awkward situation. However, it is okay to reward good service with coins in a "tip jar" when one is visible, or to add a tip to restaurant bills. It is also acceptable to suggest that taxi drivers or waiters "keep the change", especially if the difference is small. Tips may be as large or as small as you feel appropriate.
• The request to "bring a plate" to a gathering means to bring a food item.
• Some Indigenous Australians and Māori identify as Black people and feel a sense of kinship with African-Americans, Afro-Latinos and other groups of dark-skinned people. Others do not. To assume either case can be a serious faux pas.

[edit] Australia

• Referring to Australia as "down under" is considered patronising. While realising that the term has been widely promoted abroad, Australians rarely use the term themselves.
• Australians are rarely amused by attempts to imitate the distinctive sounds of Australian English, especially the somewhat exaggerated versions propagated by celebrities such as Paul Hogan and Steve Irwin.
• It may be impolite to remark on Australia's history as a penal colony. The vast majority of immigrants to Australia arrived under better circumstances.
• In social situations Australians generally dislike snobbish behaviour and attitudes.
• Indigenous Australians dislike the term aboriginal which is veiwed as patronising. The once-common abbreviation "Abo" is now widely considered highly offensive. In recent years the term Koori(or Koorie) is now regarded as a more polite and respectful term, when refering to Indigenous Australians.

[edit] New Zealand

Image:ABHakaWales.jpg

• Correct pronunciation of Māori words and place-names, and the word "Māori" itself, is important to both Māori and non-Māori as it shows respect for the land and people. It is incorrect to pluralise "Māori" by adding an "s".
• Sitting on or resting one's backside against a table or desk can offend Māori. A table is where food is served and should not be touched by the “unclean” regions.
• Shoes should be removed before entering a Maori sacred building, such as a marae.
• Avoid using the term "mainland" for either the North or South Islands of New Zealand as this is a sensitive issue. Referring to Australia with this term is even worse.
• In New Zealand, "tea" is the evening meal and one would be expected to arrive around 6 pm (depending on the season). Inviting someone to drop in for a beverage would more often be phrased "drop by for a coffee", even if they don't drink coffee. References to tea as a beverage 'tea' are almost always prefixed by "cup of" to distinguish the difference.

[edit] See also

• Etiquette in Africa
• Etiquette in Asia
• Etiquette in Canada and the United States
• Etiquette in Europe
• Etiquette in Latin America
• Etiquette in the Middle East
• Worldwide etiquette

[edit] References

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