Culture Cues

One of the main things that we were supposed to do this first year in New Zealand was learn the culture. The best way that we have found to do that is to completely immerse ourselves in culture. Over the next couple of weeks, or maybe months, I will attempt to share with you what we have learned about New Zealand. Many of these things are normal to us now and we don't think much of them. If you disagree and think New Zealand culture is not so normal, we'd love to hear what you think! 

Cultural Cue #1: Hours of Operation

Almost all businesses, stores, cafes and even many restaurants are closed by six in the evening, some even earlier! This took a lot of getting used to. What about people who work until 6? Don't worry, Thursday night is late night and the shops stay open until 8pm! Supermarkets have recently begun staying open later and there is even one 24 hour supermarket in all of Auckland.

In addition to early closing times, sometimes you will go to a shop/restaurant/business during their regular hours of operation and there will be a sign up that says the shop is closed but will reopen soon. I have actually learned to appreciate those signs compared to the alternative- the shop just isn't open though the posted hours show that it should be. 

As you can imagine, both of these cultural aspects have led to frustrations on certain days. However, we have learned to enjoy evenings without the distractions of shopping and running errands. Now we just plan ahead even better than before to avoid grocery emergencies.

You might be thinking "What should my response to this be?" Well let me submit one to you: 

The next time you are at a store after 6pm, make the most of it. You never know when you might move to New Zealand!