Locking my car doors as I get in

In South Africa, it’s common sense to keep your car doors locked at all times. I was in the habit of getting into the car, starting the engine, and locking the doors (with my elbow).

I’d feel vulnerable driving around with unlocked doors.

Why I stopped : It just feels unnecessary here. (And the locking mechanism in our current car requires more than an elbow!)

Closing all the windows when I leave the house

Likewise, South African street-smarts dictate that you don’t leave possible entry points to your home accessible. We’d feel nervous about leaving windows even slightly open in our bedroom at night, and wouldn’t think of leaving un-barred windows open at all, while we weren’t present.

Why I stopped : Again, it feels unnecessary. Sure, there’s still opportunistic crime here, but I feel less “paranoid”, and more trusting of my fellow man, since leaving South Africa.

Driving around the block when I notice the car behind me taking the same route I am

I used to be proud of this one – it made me feel like a spy – While approaching home, if I noticed that the car behind me had taken the same route for a while, I’d avoid my house, and drive around the block until it turned off. This was on the (quite plausible) assumption that there were bad men in that car, who’d jump out and attack me as soon as I’d opened up my gates and doors, giving them access to my home.

Why I stopped : I felt silly the first couple of times I did it. We don’t have a big electric fence and gate here, which would otherwise making coming-home time the ideal moment to attack. If somebody really wanted to rob our house, they’d do it while we’re not around, to minimize the (significant) risk of being caught.

Summary

Kiwis will all tell you that New Zealand is not without crime. It’s true. But their crime level, and their national awareness of crime, is far, far lower than what we were used to in South Africa. Maybe it’s normal, but it sure makes you realize how abnormally dangerous South Africa felt.

Note: I’ve used the word “feel” six times above, because that’s what I’m noticing: How safe I feel, not necessarily how safe I am.

I don’t have relevant data (corresponding crime and resolution statistics) to make an accurate factual comparison.

Here’s an amazing display of accents, courtesy of actress Amy Walker.

You might think it’s a little ridiculous, until you hear your OWN accent portrayed, very convincingly

Look out for the New Zealand accent, in between the two Aussie ones – it’s very well done, even the cud-chewing “tcht” of hesitation..

YouTube – 21 Accents

There are a broad range of phrases and expressions that are unique to New Zealand. Here are 8 essential phrases you’ll need to know for Kiwi-to-non-Kiwi communication.

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“Tā Moko” is the Māori word for the art of tattooing. The finished product, the tattoo, is simply called a “Moko“.

Why tattoo your face?

More effective and long-lasting (plus less maintenance!) than face-paints, a moko is more than simply asthetic.

It’s also, contrary to popular opinion, not simply to “look intimidating”. It’s a statement of one’s identity and genealogy, as a Maori. A moko is designed to enhance facial structure and expressions, so no doubt a moko would make an intimidating wearer look more intimidating.

Traditionally, the head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body. Thus, mokos were primarily carved (yes, CARVED, with bone chisels and pigment!) onto the face.

Why do Maori women tattoo their chins?

Women were traditionally only allowed to have moko on their lips, around the chin, and sometimes the nostrils. A woman with full blue lips was seen as the “epitome of Maori female beauty.” – Tahaa

Can a non-Maori get a moko?

Well, you can, but perhaps with the disapproval of Maoris in general. Robbie Williams has a Maori tattoo, which has inspired controversy among Maori.

A moko was never something done lightly, on or a whim. Ta moko took months of approval and planning on the part of the elders and other family members. First the elders decided whether one was worthy of receiving a moko. One of the questions they need answered with an unwavering yes was: “are they committed to wearing their tribal identity on their body for the rest of their life?” Then the design process would begin by taking into account the tribal history, which was the most important component of the moko.

How to read a moko

I have no idea how to read a moko, but a learned maori could easily read it. I do know each side of the face represents the genealogy of a different parent. If one parent had no social status, a moko would only cover the opposing side of the face. (I’ve seen many pictures of one-sided facial moko, now I understand why)

“Taia o moko, hai hoa matenga mou: Only death can deprive you of your moko. It will be your ornament and your companion until your dying day.”

photo credit: barto

Here’s an odd kiwi quirk I’ve noticed.. when responding in the very affirmative, it’s common for a kiwi to nod a few times, saying “yip, yip”. (Maybe it’s “yup yup”, but it sounds like “yip”…). I think it’s done as a preemptive way to answer a question, without waiting for the “full text” of the question.

For example..

Danny: “Have you forwarded the email to Don? You know, the one about…”

Me (nodding furiously) : “yip, yip!”

One wouldn’t be offended, being “yipyiped”, it seems to be part of normal interaction, and from some rudimentary googling, primarily a kiwi thing.

A few other odd kiwi phrases

• “Bring a plate“: Bring a plate of food to share (not an empty plate, although apparently you wouldn’t be the first to make that mistake)
• “Lollies“: Candy / Sweets
• “Smoko“: Tea break (origins are obvious)
• “Dairy“: Convenience store / drugstore (US) / Cafe (SA)
• “Togs” : Swimming costume / trunks

What odd kiwi phrases have you noticed?