One of the biggest challenges expats face when relocating to New Zealand is not the logistics of moving house or setting up bank accounts – it is navigating the invisible layers of culture.
Culture shock is real. Even in a country that feels “familiar” on the surface – English-speaking, modern, friendly – the differences in how people communicate, work, and socialise can leave newcomers feeling confused, frustrated, or even isolated. Employers who recruit internationally often underestimate this, focusing on visas and housing but forgetting that cultural adjustment is what ultimately determines whether staff settle and stay.
The good news? There’s an antidote: cultural curiosity.
Instead of judging or resisting what feels different, cultural curiosity invites newcomers to lean in, ask questions, and see things from a Kiwi point of view. With curiosity, small frustrations become learning moments, and surprises become doorways to connection — both at work and in the community.
When employers encourage cultural curiosity, they’re not only supporting the wellbeing of their people — they’re investing in productivity, team cohesion, and retention.
1. Ask Before Assuming
New Zealanders are famously understated communicators. A simple “yeah, nah” can mean anything from “I see your point, but no thanks” to “not really, but I don’t want to be blunt about it.”
One American expat told me how she misread her boss’s relaxed tone as lack of urgency, when in fact the deadline was critical. Once she started asking clarifying questions like, “So is this something you’d like today, or next week?” she found communication smoothed out — and her Kiwi colleagues appreciated her willingness to check.
👉 For employers: encourage new hires to ask questions early and often. Reassure them that asking for clarification is seen as respectful in New Zealand, not a weakness.
2. Notice the Small Stuff
Cultural differences often show up in the details:
Greetings: First names are used everywhere — even with the CEO. Hierarchy is much flatter than in many other countries.
Queues: Fairness matters. Jumping a queue, even accidentally, can cause visible discomfort.
Humour: Self-deprecating humour is a sign of confidence, not insecurity.
One British family noticed neighbours dropping off bags of lemons or zucchini. At first, they weren’t sure how to respond. But by observing, they realised these gestures are part of Kiwi hospitality — an informal way of connecting. Soon, they were swapping home baking in return.
👉 For employers: help staff tune into these nuances. Cultural orientation during onboarding, or even casual sharing of “Kiwi quirks,” can accelerate adaptation and reduce misunderstandings.
3. Say Yes More Often
A big part of settling in is accepting invitations, even when you’re not sure what you’re signing up for.
A client from Singapore was puzzled when invited to a Friday “shout.” She worried it was a political debate! In reality, it was colleagues buying a round of drinks. By saying yes, she discovered a relaxed way to bond with her team.
Another expat said yes to a neighbour offering feijoa chutney — a fruit he had never heard of. That chutney became the start of weekend barbecues and friendships that made his street feel like home.
👉 For employers: encourage teams to invite newcomers to social activities and explain what’s happening. These small moments build belonging far faster than formal induction programmes alone.
Why Curiosity Matters
Relocation is always a journey. There will be bumps — confusion, awkwardness, moments when people long for the familiar. But approaching life in Aotearoa with cultural curiosity transforms those challenges into connections.
For expats, curiosity isn’t just polite — it’s a powerful way to adapt, integrate, and thrive.
For employers, nurturing cultural curiosity creates happier staff, stronger teams, and longer retention. When organisations invest in helping newcomers lean into Kiwi culture, everyone benefits.
So next time culture shock strikes? Pause, take a breath, and get curious. The differences that once baffled you may become the very things you cherish most about your New Zealand experience.
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand!
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.
Source: www.mobile-relocation.com