Every market is unique in their own ways, so it should come as no surprise that for a business to soar, you need to place significant importance on understanding the market in which you operate.

When it comes to doing business in New Zealand, understanding cultural normalcies and business etiquette can go a long way to showing your keenness in becoming part of the community. Particularly in business, New Zealanders are known to be inclusive of others, so showing a keen interest in understanding the social ecosystem will rarely go unnoticed. This integration into society, both from a professional and personal level, will ultimately build strong bonds and lasting relationships in years to come.

New Zealand is bursting with opportunities to do business.

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve likely come to the realisation that New Zealand has been consistently ranked as the best country to do business. It’s earned its place at the top of this list largely because the federal government has been welcoming to foreign business for many years and has historically offered various support options to attract foreign investment.

To help you along the way for your New Zealand expansion here’s all that you need to know about New Zealand business etiquette.

Corporate dynamics  

Generally speaking, New Zealanders are equalists when it comes to business, so the corporate ‘food chain’ isn’t anywhere near as prominent as it is in other countries. If one were to throw their weight around a typical office environment in New Zealand, they would quickly lose respect from their colleagues.

New Zealanders place more significance on ‘earning stripes’ when it comes to loyalty and respect. They tend to value feedback and working collaboratively.

Understanding personal space

As is the case in many western countries, professional greetings are typically marked with a handshake, not kisses and hugs like in some parts of Europe. This is about as far as physical contact goes.

Understanding their reserved nature

New Zealanders can come across reserved in the early stages of a business relationship. There’s an unspoken rule in the corporate ecosystem that to show emotional restraint is to practise professionalism. But don’t mistake their uncompromising, no-rubbish attitude for indifference; the country is built upon strong warrior foundations and has a philosophy of determination that can’t be missed.

Having said this, they’ll often relax into business relationships once a mutual connection has been established.

Communicating numbers and finances

When it comes to business, New Zealanders like to be direct and to the point. If you’re making a claim or attempting to explain a situation, then they’ll generally expect you to back your perspective with facts and evidence. Trying to lead a colleague or business acquaintance down the garden path with a lack of transparency will very quickly shred your credibility.

Punctuality

New Zealanders have very little time for those who don’t respect their time. Your colleagues or business acquaintances will not be impressed by you showing up to meetings late and without a plausible excuse.

Practise cultural sensitivity

New Zealand is a multiculturally diverse country; a vast array of cultures and nationalities have shaped the country into what it is today. With this, the nation has placed immense importance on accepting everyone, regardless of opinions, preferences and religious beliefs.

New Zealand does not tolerate racism of any kind. Keep an open mind and accept the views of those you may not necessarily agree with.

Ready to take the leap into the New Zealand business market?

If you’ve reached a point where you’re comfortable enough with New Zealand business etiquette to take a leap of faith into the local market, then it’s the perfect time to get in contact with ANZPEO.

At ANZPEO, we help international businesses hire New Zealand employees compliantly, without having to set up a local entity in New Zealand to do so. What this means for you is that by partnering with us, you could be up and running in New Zealand in a matter of hours.

Speak to us today about how we can help expand into New Zealand efficiently and compliantly.