As Kiwis prepare for the end of the year and begin winding down for the holiday season, families gearing up to relocate to New Zealand are getting ready for one of the most exciting—and likely one of the busiest—times of their lives.
If you’re set to make Aotearoa your new home in 2025, here are some helpful, friendly tips to get a head start on understanding Kiwi life and culture before you even arrive.
1. Dive into New Zealand’s Unique Holidays
New Zealand has some special holidays that you’ll want to know about:
Waitangi Day (6 February): Celebrating the Treaty of Waitangi, this day acknowledges a crucial part of New Zealand’s history and its ongoing journey. It’s a time for reflection, and understanding its significance can help you gain insight into the heart of Kiwi culture.
ANZAC Day (25 April): A day of remembrance for those who served in wars. It’s often marked by dawn services and the tradition of ANZAC biscuits—simple but meaningful moments that you might soon be taking part in.
Kiwi Christmas (25 December): A summer Christmas! In New Zealand, Christmas often involves barbecues, beach trips, and outdoor gatherings. Instead of a cozy winter holiday, picture yourself celebrating in the sun with a cold drink and some beach games.
2. Get Ready for Seasonal Switches
Since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. So while you’re bundling up for winter, Kiwis are kicking off their summer fun. Think of it this way: as you’re ringing in the New Year in January, they’re enjoying beach days! Embracing this shift can be fun and adds a sense of adventure to your move.
3. Create Your Pepeha – A Unique Way to Introduce Yourself
In New Zealand, you might hear people introducing themselves with a pepeha. This is a traditional Māori way of sharing where you come from, connecting you to the land, ancestors, and family. It’s a meaningful way to introduce yourself and a fun exercise for the family to explore together. When you arrive, you might even be welcomed with a pōwhiri (a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony), where a pepeha would be a wonderful way to introduce yourselves.
4. Start Learning Te Reo Māori
Te reo Māori, the Māori language, is a beautiful part of New Zealand’s cultural fabric. Starting to learn some basic phrases or songs in te reo can be an enjoyable way for your family to get familiar with the language. There are many beginner-friendly resources out there, like simple children’s songs or phrase books, and even some fantastic bilingual books. Why not make learning the te reo part of your daily routine and have fun with it?
5. Hang Up a Map of New Zealand
Get familiar with the layout of your new country by putting up a map of New Zealand. This can help you learn where cities, towns, and natural landmarks are located. Practicing the Māori place names is a great start—New Zealand has many beautiful names with deep meanings, and being able to say them correctly is a small way to show respect and appreciation for your new home.
6. Get to Know New Zealand’s Unique Wildlife and Nature
New Zealand is home to some incredible native flora and fauna, like the pīwakawaka (fantail) bird and the mighty kauri tree. You could start a nature log or make some simple cards with both the Māori and English names of local plants and animals. Once you arrive, your family can look out for these unique species and mark off sightings—almost like a personal scavenger hunt! It’s a wonderful way to explore your surroundings.
7. Choose a Kiwi Sports Team to Follow
Sports are a big deal in New Zealand, and getting behind a Kiwi team can help you feel part of the action. Rugby is huge here—cheering for the All Blacks or the Black Ferns is almost a national pastime! Cricket fans can follow the Black Caps, and if you’re a fan of sailing, the America’s Cup might pique your interest. You can find plenty of highlights online to get familiar with Kiwi teams and start cheering for them before you even arrive.
8. Pick Up a Book About New Zealand or By a Kiwi Author
Nothing gives you a feel for a country quite like its stories. Try picking up a book about New Zealand’s history, Māori customs (known as tikanga Māori), or something written by a New Zealand author. Whether it’s a novel, history book, or children’s story, these books will give you a taste of the culture, values, and quirks that make New Zealanders who they are.
Getting acquainted with Kiwi culture, seasons, and language will help ease the transition and make you feel more at home when you finally arrive. New Zealand has a rich cultural heritage, unique nature, and warm communities ready to welcome you.
Safe travels, and we can’t wait to welcome you to Aotearoa!
____________________________________________________________
Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand. Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.
If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements (Kiwi Launch Pad) through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.