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• Greetings are usually informal in social settings. New Zealanders often say “Hi, how are you?”. However, this is simply a greeting not a question to be answered in any detail. The response is often “Great” or “Good thanks, how are you?”. If a New Zealander wants to engage in conversation, they will then ask another question.
• The same norm applies to farewell phrases. “See you later” simply means ‘Goodbye’. It is not an indication of any intention to meet later.
• Most New Zealanders introduce themselves by their first name in initial introductions, both in casual and formal settings. However, titles tend to be used more often with strangers in professional settings (e.g. medical care, customer service) or when addressing someone much older. See Addressing Others in Naming for more information.
• A handshake is the common physical greeting between strangers. New Zealand men may judge the strength of someone’s character by their handshake. Therefore, it is important to perform it correctly. Both parties perform the handshake actions simultaneously. It should be firm and accompanied by eye contact to reflect trust and integrity. The grip should not be limp or weak. This may reflect a lack of interest or confidence.
• The handshake is an opportunity to establish rapport, so smiling and reflecting pleasure at meeting someone is common and expected.
• Other physical greetings depend on an individual’s personal comfort levels. Some people may greet those they know with a hug. Close friends may also kiss one another on the cheek. Others may prefer to simply nod or wave while saying hello. See ���Dz�-�ձ������������dz����ܲԾ������پ��Dz� for more information on physical contact.

Māori Greetings

• The Māori phrase, “Kia ora”, is the informal greeting for ‘Hello’. It can also mean ‘Thank you’ or be said as a form of acknowledgement.
• Formal Māori greetings differ depending on the number of people present. “Tēnā koe” is a formal greeting to one person, “Tēnā kōrua” is used for two people, and “Tēnā koutou” is used to greet three or more people in formal settings.
• If you are non-Māori, handshakes are generally the most appropriate way to greet Māori in a casual setting.
• Māori men usually greet each other with the ‘hongi’. This involves two people pressing their noses and foreheads together, while clasping hands, and breathing in simultaneously to share a breath.
• Māori women generally greet close family and friends, as well as acquaintances, by kissing on the cheek.
• It is less common to greet a Māori woman by performing a hongi. However, women may be expected to hongi Māori men when visiting a marae (traditional Māori meeting place) or in formal settings.
• Māori are unlikely to greet non-Māori with a hongi, unless in formal settings or during ceremonial occasions.
• Māori may perform a formal welcoming ceremony, known as ‘��ō�ɳ󾱰���’, to greet guests visiting a marae (traditional Māori meeting place). It is usually followed by a call to welcome (karanga), speeches (�ɳ󲹾���ō�������), songs (waiata) and food (kai).
• A less formal version of a ��ō�ɳ󾱰��� (known as a mihi whakatau) may also be performed at ceremonial occasions or formal events, such as a conference.

See Etiquette for more information on appropriate behaviour and protocols when interacting with Māori or visiting a Marae.