Quirky Kiwiana!
After spending over a year here, we have found that just like any country, New Zealand has its own quirks, traditions and phrases. Admittedly some of these are similar to ones used across the Tasman Sea (on the Western Isle) but we feel that, for our readers back home, they are different enough to warrant space on the blog. Here are some examples that we have noticed, starting with a rather 'out of season' one.
Mid Winter Christmas - "So what?" I hear you say. You may well say that, until you remember that our winter is from June to August. So, in June/July some people put decorations up, buy small presents for each other (a good thing), cook a turkey, go on work dos and pretend it is the festive season. I suppose celebrating 'Christmas' during the Southern Hemisphere's winter means there is a higher chance of snow and gives kiwis a feel of proper Christmas weather but it's still wrong! HO! HO! HO!
Hot Dogs - This sounds pretty normal but a NZ hotdog is actually a battered sausage skewered on a stick. Not good, as the sausages are invariably cheap, nasty ones made from the parts of an animal you would rather not eat. Hot dogs as we know them are called American Hot Dogs!
Charity Chocolate Bars - A somewhat dubious practice in which schools raise money by selling chocolate bars (Dairy Milk, Moro - like Mars ) for $2. The profit goes towards whatever project the school is saving up for (evidently, not health care) . Eat your heart out Jamie Oliver!
Dental clinics at schools - This may have something to do with the above. In New Zealand, many schools have a dental clinic (think of Pete's old M.J.S. Hut) and dental nurse on site so that schoolchildren can receive free dental care. The dental nurse can carry out many minor procedures, like drilling and pulling teeth. Children with bad problems are referred to a dentist.
The Right Hand Turn Rule - Perhaps this riduculous driving rule exists in order to make driving more exciting and eventful for all, particularly unwary or forgetful tourists. Essentially, vehicles turning right have the 'right of way' over oncoming cars turning left into the same road/entrance/etc. I think the idea is that traffic flow is improved as vehicles are not stuck behind somebody waiting to turn right. For this to work well, signalling is vital and vehicles going straight on must not sneak around ones turning left into the path of the one turning right. Apparently, New Zealand is the only country that has this rule. I think that says it all!
Sausage Sizzle - To raise money for charity etc.
groups of people will stand outside a shop (The Warehouse, Rebel Sport, etc) selling sausages for $1 or $2. What you get is: A slice of the cheapest white bread, a sausage and onions. Sauce is optional. Enjoy!
Hokey Pokey - The kiwi name for honeycomb. Hokey pokey flavoured ice-cream is gorgeous! Particularly, when enjoyed up at 'The Sign of the Kiwi', on a warm, sunny day!
Mid Winter Christmas - "So what?" I hear you say. You may well say that, until you remember that our winter is from June to August. So, in June/July some people put decorations up, buy small presents for each other (a good thing), cook a turkey, go on work dos and pretend it is the festive season. I suppose celebrating 'Christmas' during the Southern Hemisphere's winter means there is a higher chance of snow and gives kiwis a feel of proper Christmas weather but it's still wrong! HO! HO! HO!
Hot Dogs - This sounds pretty normal but a NZ hotdog is actually a battered sausage skewered on a stick. Not good, as the sausages are invariably cheap, nasty ones made from the parts of an animal you would rather not eat. Hot dogs as we know them are called American Hot Dogs!
Charity Chocolate Bars - A somewhat dubious practice in which schools raise money by selling chocolate bars (Dairy Milk, Moro - like Mars ) for $2. The profit goes towards whatever project the school is saving up for (evidently, not health care) . Eat your heart out Jamie Oliver!Dental clinics at schools - This may have something to do with the above. In New Zealand, many schools have a dental clinic (think of Pete's old M.J.S. Hut) and dental nurse on site so that schoolchildren can receive free dental care. The dental nurse can carry out many minor procedures, like drilling and pulling teeth. Children with bad problems are referred to a dentist.
The Right Hand Turn Rule - Perhaps this riduculous driving rule exists in order to make driving more exciting and eventful for all, particularly unwary or forgetful tourists. Essentially, vehicles turning right have the 'right of way' over oncoming cars turning left into the same road/entrance/etc. I think the idea is that traffic flow is improved as vehicles are not stuck behind somebody waiting to turn right. For this to work well, signalling is vital and vehicles going straight on must not sneak around ones turning left into the path of the one turning right. Apparently, New Zealand is the only country that has this rule. I think that says it all!
Sausage Sizzle - To raise money for charity etc.
groups of people will stand outside a shop (The Warehouse, Rebel Sport, etc) selling sausages for $1 or $2. What you get is: A slice of the cheapest white bread, a sausage and onions. Sauce is optional. Enjoy!Hokey Pokey - The kiwi name for honeycomb. Hokey pokey flavoured ice-cream is gorgeous! Particularly, when enjoyed up at 'The Sign of the Kiwi', on a warm, sunny day!
posted by pandc at
20.4.07
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home