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Travel Tips
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Traveling to New Zealand
Editor’s note: Global business, and subsequently, global business travel, continues to expand rapidly. In response, CWT Traveler will provide to readers each month in 2007 insights and tips on traveling from North America to other countries around the world. This month’s installment focuses on New Zealand.
In business:
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While New Zealanders are often very friendly overall, they tend to be more formal in business situations. Rather than immediately taking on a casual attitude, visitors should first build up their credibility.
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Punctuality is important. New Zealanders will expect both business meetings and social events to begin on time.
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A firm handshake with good eye contact is generally an effective gesture during introductions and at the end of a meeting.
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In business dealings, an honest, straightforward approach is appreciated. Flashy or pushy sales techniques often are not effective.
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New Zealanders generally speak softly and do not open their mouths wide when speaking. Loud voices may be irritating to them. It is best to match the volume of the locals in business meetings.
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New Zealanders are usually not afraid to say “no,” and will generally take a strong position on a topic if it is important to them. Visitors should be able to hold up their end of a debate, but remain respectful and tactful.
Good to know:
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New Zealand is twelve hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T.+12), or seventeen hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T.+17)
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The official languages of New Zealand are English and Maori, and most Maoris speak English.
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The two main islands of New Zealand are the North Island and the South Island. The North Island is home to around 75 percent of the country’s population.
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While New Zealand and Australia are geographically close, each nation prides itself on its unique identity. Respecting this difference and not confusing the two nations is extremely important.
Source: “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries,” by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway. Published by Adams Media of Avon, Massachusetts
Tips for avoiding travel delays
A traveler has booked within company policy and is scheduled to arrive at the client meeting on time; however, upon arrival at the airport, realizes the flight has been delayed—again.
What can a traveler do? Many causes for airline delays may be out of a traveler’s control, but there are a few proactive steps that can be taken to try to avoid delays.
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Avoid delay-prone flights: Before booking, make sure the selected flight has a high probability of arriving on time. Most airlines report on-time ratings on their Websites.
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Research the airline: Several airlines are known for flight cancellations and delays. Check out the Air Travel Consumer Report http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/.
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Fly non-stop routes: If travel policy permits, book a non-stop flight to avoid getting stuck in a connecting city.
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Fly early in the day: Just like the doctor’s office, delays tend to worsen throughout the day. By being first in the air, travelers are more likely to avoid delays.
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Don’t book connections too close together: Schedule at least one hour for a connection, especially in busy airports.
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Use smaller airports: Avoid airline hubs whenever possible. Smaller airports are usually less congested.
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Be prepared: Become familiar with the airline's rules for identification, baggage limitations, and check-in and gate times to avoid getting caught up checking in.
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Arrive early: Call ahead to check security wait times, and be sure to get to the airport with ample time to park, check in, and clear security.
Source: USA TODAY
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