As much as coffee is a part of the culture, I think that it goes deeper than just the drink. Kiwis are very relational and hold hospitality and community as high values. Often times, the act of 'grabbing a cuppa', or getting a coffee, is a way to catch up on life, a way to meet with people, or a way to be hospitable.
We have noticed that turning someone down for a cup of coffee can come across as rude or even inconsiderate. Oftentimes when you stop by someone's house, they will ask you in for a cuppa. Not accepting that invite can convey to the would be host that the task you are doing is more important than your relationship with them. As American's we have said no to coffee invites in the past because we were on our way to an event, in the middle of running errands, or didn't want to be late. We have now learned that the value of relationship is held much higher than the value of being on time or completing your errands, now we always accept the offer to sit down and 'have a cuppa.' The opposite holds true as well, if someone stops by your house, you should always be ready to offer them a hot drink and expect a visit for a while.
Coffee is something that Kiwis love and it seems to be something that brings them together. Morning tea, coffee breaks, and coffee groups are all very important parts of life in New Zealand. At school, when the students have their morning tea, all of the teachers meet in the lounge for coffee to talk each morning. For new parents, there are different coffee groups that are created to help give you a support network. And even after we run with our running group, we have started drinking coffee- this one is still hard for me to get used to!
The coffee craze seems like more than just a recent trend in New Zealand, but an important part of culture and life.
1 comment:
sounds like an awesome culture. we had friends over tonight and no one drank coffee or tea even though we had it ready. I guess they arent really our friends
kirk and amanda
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