A warm welcome

Most New Zealanders believe being warm and friendly is important.

Because our country is small and far away from many other parts of the world, we like to reach out and make connections with each other.  Our sense of community is ranked 8th in the OECD Better Life Index measuring 41 different countries.

In fact, nine out of ten migrants find the welcome they receive meets or exceeds their expectations, according to a recent Immigration New Zealand survey.

Cultural values

The welcoming spirit in New Zealand comes from a core principle of Māori culture, Manaakitanga.

It means hospitality, kindness, generosity, support - the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others.

Manaakitanga extends far beyond Māori tradition. It is even recognised by our Government as one of the two core values of our tourism strategy.

Sharing food

One of the main ways you will be shown hospitality in New Zealand is with food.

Social events often involve eating, including;

• picnics on the beach
• morning teas with work colleagues
• a hāngi (food cooked in an earthoven) at your child's school, or
• a barbeque with your neighbours

You will find that food and friendship go hand-in-hand in New Zealand.

A warm welcome

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A warm welcome

Simon Shaw - One of my Kiwi friends that I used to work with, um, the day after the earthquake was helping me in, in move stuff out from my-------and he had his own problems but he was still willing to come and help me move out of our old rental into the new one. And um you know, I can’t thank them enough for how much support and help they’ve given us since we’ve immigrated.

Dominique O’Callaghan - Literally the first day I moved in one of the girls at work had a bed in storage um so she turned up and delivered a bed for me um. In exchange I think I forced some bottles of wine on her, cause they were just. oh no take it, it’s fine and ah um I got my lounge suite off another person from work.

John and Tina Evangelista - John: The day we moved in and the movers in the house and had all the boxes all over the house (Tina: yes) we are surprised that the neighbours came and brought some food. They realized that we didn’t have time to cook, (Tina: yeah) to cook dinner so they came out with roast beef and ah, and some dessert.

Connor Cody - I wanted to go sailing, and I walked down to the um docklands and to the yacht club there. I happened across the last boat out on the races on Sunday and I asked them if they were looking for crew. And because New Zealanders are particularly open and friendly, I was invited on board and that started my hobby, sailing.

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Mix of cultures

Our country's history is also shaped by a unique mix of Māori and European culture. This merging of ideas and customs began with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and continues to this day.

Today, New Zealand is diverse, combining influences from around the world, especially the Pacific and Asia.

We’re a country of open, welcoming people, and a place where you’ll make lasting friendships. 

A nation of travellers

Many New Zealanders know what it is like arriving somewhere new. More than a quarter (27.4%) of our population was born overseas, according to the 2018 Census.

Over 90% of us feel some connection with another country through family, friends or interests.

2018 Census | Stats NZ

Welcoming communities

 

Talk to any visitor to New Zealand and the first things they are likely to comment on are the beautiful scenery and the friendly locals.

Kiwis are seen as friendly, hospitable and inclusive — qualities highlighted by Welcoming Communities Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori.

There are 26 councils across 12 regions working with their communities to implement Welcoming Communities, a programme that puts the welcome mat out to newcomers: recent migrants, former refugees and international students.

Welcoming Communities | Immigration New Zealand