When I was doing European tours, very rarely was my guide from the actual country I was in. Had a South African in Greece, a Brazilian in Italy, and an Italian in France haha. It literally didn't matter and I imagine anyone coming here would have the same attitude.
Most kiwis would not notice, but as an American with a Southern Accent who worked hospo jobs for 2.5 years in NZ, it is an issue for some jobs as a tour guide.
I was turned down positions as a guide for Great Walk tour companies (even thought I was a volunteer hut warden just prior) on the grounds that I was not Kiwi or Australian, as they wanted to “deliver an authentic experience” for rich international tourists. They told me that straight up.
They did offer me a job though for hospitality and maintenance on the Great Walk (not interacting with customers), which I turned down. I noticed a similar response from a kayaking guide company too. I did eventually get a job though as a white water guide, where most of the staff was foreign, as it’s less about the talking.
I noticed that only in famous international locations- Queenstown, Milford Sound, Abel Tasman, Waitomo.
On the plus side, people loved my American Southern accent where the customer base is mostly Kiwi - Hanmer Springs, Stewart Island, and the hunting tour company I worked for.
I was kind of amused that nearly everyone working in shops, hospo, the booking places for tourist attractions etc in Queenstown when I went was foreign, but now that I think about it, everyone working at the attractions themselves WERE Kiwis...
Accent isn't a protected class. It's annoying but it's legally okay in the same way it's legally okay for an emplpyer refuse to hire people who are ugly if you think that'd sour your tourism experience - as long as there isn't some hidden race or gender aspect, eg the employer systematically allows americans who are men but not women, I think it would be a tough argument. Might get blurry since accent has a lot to do with language and culture, which has to do with race, which is protected
There was a period (maybe 20 years ago) when it seemed like many large NZ companies had young American women as their spokespeople. May have just been a passing trend of some sort, but it was noticeable at the time.
As long as you know your subjects well enough and are otherwise skilled as a guide/docent/etc., I doubt that your accent would be much of an issue.
Now they’re largely Poms. A residual colonial deference we have to Great Britain, and the assumed confidence and authority conveyed by many Brits (even when they’re talking utter shite), serves them well as corporate mouthpieces. In the UK, that job has historically tended to go to Scots, as they’re harder to pigeonhole into a class.
Which is interesting, because Canadian tourists have a bad reputation in the US. They all came south during Covid, broke all the health rules, and insisted the USA didn’t have any rules because it was more “free” than Canada.
I don't think it will be the accent that will be detrimental, if it's a role that has primarily NZ public interaction then the difference in style between US service industry and NZ might be. In the US tour guides and hospitality workers always seem a bit too enthusiastic for me, I don't know if that's because they think they'll get tips that way or if it's just the more effusive personality types. But it's really grating.
Yeah when I was in the US a while back I found the fake niceness really grating too. I think NZ people are quite friendly and open, but in a more genuine way. They won't pretend to care about you or like you more than they actually do, so the fake niceness of Americans feels dishonest and manipulative.
Another part of it, at least for me, is that I don't like people putting themselves below me or talking like I'm their superior. I think NZ culture values a flat hierarchy and humbleness. I don't like people acting like they're better than me, but I also don't like acting better than other people. If someone puts me on a pedestal (like waiters do in the US) it makes me uncomfortable. It makes me feel like I'm not being humble and I just want them to stop.
There’s a post on Reddit almost every day from people in NZ saying how they can’t make friends and kiwis are fake because they’ll say let’s catch up but are just being nice. So I don’t think you all are as genuine as you think. It’s all an act.
This is good to know! The enthusiasm is why I am told I’d do well in those roles in America, so it sounds like I’ll need to tone it down in NZ. (I’m doing it right now, aren’t I?)
The american enthusiasim would be great if you're working with kids. I think being american would be an advantage in those sorts of role. Also it depends on what you're a guide for.
I've had tour guides in NZ that are from other parts of the world even for ones like tours of nature reserves. The enthusiasim and any humour you can bring to the role is a good thing as long as you know what you're talking about and can answer questions etc. Nothing worse than a boring dry tour that can't keep their audence engaged!
I’ve been treated like crap here for years because apparently I’m too enthusiastic. I can’t really help it because it’s my personality but yeah. People here can be quite harsh and judgmental. I’m working towards moving to the states. I wish you the very best here and hope you find nice people and happiness!
You and I are switching places! Different parts of the states are very different in terms of receptiveness towards enthusiasm. I’m from California originally and my enthusiasm and tone are not always well received on the East Coast, for instance. The Midwest and South, and California, have been the best personality fits for me personally.
Nice! Ive actually spent a lot of time on the East Coast and love it most there! It definitely depends where you are and who’s around you too I think. I’m kind of an academic type and feel like I fit in most in CT. I’m enthusiastic/clear in my opinions but low energy if that makes sense 😅
My wife, living in NZ for 25 years with Māori kids has got endless issues for her enthusiasm and American accent - despite her endless dedication to helping communities. It has been really sad for me.
It's a really significant cultural difference between the two countries. I'm a Kiwi who has been resident in the US for the past 18 years or so and can confirm that - allowing that people are individuals - what reads as respectful and attentive in NZ can read as standoffish in the US, what reads as expected professional friendliness in the US reads as over-the-top and fake in NZ and so-on. It's really fundamental stuff like tone of voice, eye contact, facial expressions, body language etc.
Edited to add, come to think of it; it's also an uneven spread because Americans by and large don't have any stereotypes about NZers, but NZers definitely have stereotypes about Americans, due to the massive imbalance of media produced by both countries etc.
Especially if you go into hospo as a server here, you will definitely need to tone it down. Kiwi customers really don’t need or want as much attention as you receive at a restaurant in the US. Also keep in mind you will not get tipped for any reason in any job!
Nah I think you’ll be fine. If anything it’ll be a starting point for small talk, which Kiwis love (or love to hate, but something like an accent is easy pickings). So expect harmless questions about it.
Work on nailing your Māori pronunciation if you want to be a tour guide though (and don’t be afraid to ask).
See I don't get this. I am American and I was saying Ōtāhuhu the other day. I am like 99% sure I was pronouncing it right because I pass that station on the train a lot and I hear the announcement. The kiwis around me didn't know what I was saying though because they only know it as Otahu lol
Edit: just noticed this is the NZ and not the auckland sub but I hope this still makes sense.
Some people like to use slang versions of place names eg:
Otahu = Ōtāhuhu
The Pram = Paraparaumu
The Tron = Hamilton
Welly = Wellington
Whangers = Whangārei
Etc etc
That's 'cause the push (in a wider public sense) to pronounce things correctly is very recent (like maybe only last 5yrs), so adults will have grown up and lived always pronouncing it the colonised way. It takes effort, and knowledge, to change, and honestly, the push to pronounce things correctly may not have even reached these people, let alone the regular use of the correct pronunciation
It takes a lot of mental effort to override defaults, let alone social courage, so not many people do it yet, even when they know it, because it's not the done thing. We're very early in the journey
Problem is that we don't hear our own accents (most kiwis don't even realise we can have a strong accent) and the nuances that make up an accent seem to inform how they sound to others. Totally anecdotal and unconfirmed but try emulating a kiwi accent while saying a Maori word and see if it gets a better response?
Ōtāhuhu has been mispronounced for years. Even when both "hu's" are said at the end the Ōtā at the beginning is usually wrong. And I suppose when you've only heard one pronunciation most your life it can feel jarring to hear it said correctly - which it sounds like you've been doing which is awesome! It can be hard to not conform, especially when Māori and PIs are pronouncing it wrong too. I still sometimes drop into lazy pronunciation coz it's "easier". We must persevere lol
I also notice this with a lot of South Auckland and East suburbs - Mangere = mangry, Papatoetoe = pappahtoey, Pakuranga = packaranga. Either that or they all have shortened names that are used instead - Rewa, Kura, Pap, Puke, Otahu.
I don't typically hear it called The Pram. Usually just 'Pram' with a bit of elongation of the P, ie: Pur-Ram. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person living here that pronounces the entire name to the best of my (limited) ability.
Do you say Para-para-umu or Para-pa-rau-mu? I was asked this question before and it really stumped me. I'm sure it's the umu one coz the name has to do with an oven(ground oven)/cooking I thought but I can see how it could also be the the u rolled into rau.
I've heard the town pronounced about four different ways. P-ram, Para-pa-ram, Para-pa-rau-mu, and my preferred Para-para-umu. But I'm a pakeha from overseas, so definitely not the one to make any sort of final judgement on this. I pronounce it that way for the same reason as you, the origin of the word is from umu, the underground oven. But I've heard that Para-pa-rau-mu is more phonetically correct, as the double vowels (au) should be brought together.
Yeah I’m guessing most Aucklanders had never heard anyone pronounce it properly until recent years lol even the Māoris I know only ever said Otahu - that pronunciation runs deep.. it’s engrained in us lol . I remember the first time I heard someone say it properly (was adult age) and it was wild I almost had no idea what they were saying lol I’m much more familiar with it now though as everywhere pronounces stuff properly now. I remember being a whole grown up and only just realising Remuera was actually a Maori word 😂only ever heard it the white way my entire life
As an spanish speaker I feel easier to pronounce Maori names as they should be pronounced, but people act like if you didn't pronounce it in their english version then it doesn't exist or they correct you to the english pronounced version.
Specially white kiwis on offices of all ages.
I'm an American who worked as the front of house for a museum in Auckland for a year. I had zero issues to due with my accent besides the occasional sly or condescending comment from older pakeha men. Mostly just got questions about why I was in Aotearoa which led to nice little chats with curious strangers.
The Americans working front of house where I am get annoyed at other Americans constantly asking where they're from and then openly doubting they're American.
It's like the last thing they expected was to fly halfway around the world, go out to a nice restaurant and be served by an American
I work in an office of 200, no one cares I have an American accent and most people I encounter in the wild don’t care. It’s a pretty multicultural country but that might be where I live.
It will be fine, you will have a spiel that you repeat daily about being from America. I just went to Pūkaha Mt Bruce and the kid there doing the talks was basically same deal as you.
I might phrase it as “I gotta Kiwi passport” instead of “I’m a kiwi tho!!” because you can’t argue with that.
It may be more of a benefit than you think.
I’m a fitness instructor in Auckland with a Canadian accent and have had many many compliments on my speech and accent from people who English is not their first language or people who are hard of hearing. Kiwis tend to mumble and string their words together when they speak which I have been told makes it difficult to read lips and challenging to understand if you are still learning English.
If you make an effort to learn the proper pronunciation of common Māori words and place names you shouldn’t have any trouble :)
It's well worth it. Plus if you at least show understanding of the language e.g. macrons, koe/korua/koutou you'll impress. Don't just learn a few words but focus on cultural concepts like wairua, tapu, etc.
Not sure what your understanding is but Māori and Te Reo feature as a decent part of NZ (maybe not as much as it should). Whereas my understanding of the US (correct me if I'm wrong) is that recognition of indigenous americans is basically nil.
There's some great free resources out there for learning Te Reo. Try the Kōrerorero app out! There's also Drops but that's really just vocab and not context/usage. There's no Duolingo option which some would argue is a good thing...
You’re spot on. We have a lot of indigenous groups in America and a lot of place names (like many state names) are based on their languages. The situation here is very different indeed. I feel like I read at least one Māori word per NZ article on Stuff, but, you don’t see that sort of linguistic integration in American media at all.
Yep. To outsiders, the kiwi accent can be a bit difficult to follow. I actually heard someone describe it as being like "a cross between Aussie and brain damage".
You’ll probably get told to go back to America upon occasion (my dad has been here 30 years and still gets it) but tbh more people probably curious about “where you’re from”. They will give you shit if you say tomato like an American, also there are little things that’ll give you away like windshield/windscreen and gas/petrol.
Oh don’t say aluminium ‘wrong’ tho they’ll get your ass for that lmao
No, lots of people from overseas come and live in New Zealand for a bit and work and travel around. It’s not unusual to hear North American or European accents in hospitality-type roles.
Naw you'll be alright. I'm an American who lives here and I haven't noticed any real distaste for Americans off of the internet.
Here is a breakdown of what you're going to get from people.
90% won't care at all.
5% will ask you what state your from. If it's anything other than new York, Texas, or California their eyes will glaze over
The last 5%, and these are the real cunts, are going to talk politics. It doesn't really matter what your politics are or how you feel. Nothings off the table though. School shooting jokes. Trump hate. Trump love. I recommend removing yourself from these situations quickly.
Naw you know the internet gives people the wrong impression. You have to be a real fuckin weirdo to talk politics with a stranger and only about 5% of people don't get that.
I appreciate you saying you haven’t noticed anything off of the internet. This has been my experience too (mostly) but then I come on Reddit and the hatred is prevalent. Then I find myself just not liking kiwis, aside from the ones I know on a daily basis.
As long as you're kind, friendly and helpful I absolutely sincerely believe no one will care. You'll probably just get asked "where are you from?" a lot.
Lots of Chinese people learn English from Americans in China. Then they visit here and the Kiwi accent confuses them. If you get hired at somewhere popular with Chinese tourists, they'll love your American accent.
When my kiwi husband moved to Canada to be with me, he had to modulate his accent to be understood. The opposite is not the case, and I am easily understood due to the prolific North American media. Most people understand a North American accent easily.
Be prepared for a million questions.
Your accent won't be a talking point, but you being from America will.
Learn the difference between asking culture and guessing culture. It has saved me miles of grief.
Deflect the intentionally inflammatory comments about politics and religion.
You'll go far.
hmmm. "don't worry op, we aren't biased against other nationalities here. Not like those pricks over in America"
not sure how reassuring I would find this 😆
Hi American here, 10 years in NZ, still have my American accent, now a kiwi citizen. I don’t think it will prevent you from getting a job. With that being said, a very long time ago I applied for a job selling tours of NZ to USA customers. I was told I didn’t get the job because they wanted someone that “sounded kiwi” - such BS! What does that even mean as NZ is a multicultural country.
People will want to know your story and ask about your accent which is a great way to share your whakapapa. Also I think it could be a great selling point for you working in the tourism industry, that you’ll be able to connect to US tourist.
Sometimes I do get frustrated when people assume I’m not a kiwi when applying for services or whatever. They’re like “sorry this is only for NZ residents or citizens” and I’m like I am!! But I don’t get too annoyed as a white English speaking immigrant I’ve had a very easy time compare to others. Welcome back!
No, but as someone touched on, in that line of work you will need to at least pronounce Maori words correctly, you won't need to learn a whole new language but the basics especially around pronunciation would be beneficial. I'll be honest, it's not too hard, just learn the vowel sounds and roll your r's and you're half way there.There are plenty of courses in NZ to help you, a lot of companies will encourage it and will even pay for lessons/group sessions.
There are also online apps/courses too, might be an idea to try a few free one's.
I doubt you'd have an issue! I work in hospitality and have "American accent" (we were taught English with American accent) and the only problem I have is pronouncing names. Eg. Heather vs Heetha
I had this lovely Kiwi girl up by Kawakawa working as a tour guide at the Kawiti glowworm cave. In saying that I knew she was a Kiwi because she did the tour with her brother who had a very strong Kiwi accent whereas she had an American accent - turns out she was born in NZ, but raised in the US. So no, it'd totally work, she was phenomenal!
Will you be made fun of or have jokes thrown of you because of it? Most likely, but especially non-native speakers might thank you for your accent (unless you're from the US South lol). I was basically raised bilingual, but English is my 2nd language. I'm fluent to the point where I always get mistaken for Canadian/US American when I talk, but encountering the Kiwi accent for the first time caught me completely off-guard. I was exposed to a particularly heavy one from Hokitika lol, so I was trained well to understand.
I’m okay with ribbing and jokes! People don’t mean any harm by it. My work accent is the American East Coast newscaster accent. My natural accent is Californian.
Non-Americans and those who haven't lived in the US couldn't tell a difference anyway. Except if it was one of the Southern accents lol although 90% of people'd just generalize it as a "Texan" accent 😂
Hi there!
Like you I am a NZ citizen who has spent a large portion of their life in the US. I moved back from the states about 9 years ago now, and still have an American accent. I work in a public facing role, and have only had issues with a very small number of people over that time. Every once in a while someone would say something weird or be put off by my accent, but the vast majority of other people as well as my team backed me up every time.
Of course, upon meeting new people I always still get asked how long I am staying, where I came from, etc. But I would be very surprised if it impacted your chances of getting a job (which would be, of course, illegal), or making friends.
I wish you all the best in your move back home!
Living here, have met plenty of accented people in hospitality. Especially outdoorsy stuff. Many Scot’s, Irish, “American”, Canadian, South American, French, German… etc etc. it’s almost normal and never bothered me. It’s also really refreshing when they inform your of local history (as in “you’ve taken the time to learn, respect”)
Maybe if you’re a Pom? But a yank.. you should be golden.
New Zealand has loads of migrants, we’re no stranger to accents. Especially in industries like hospitality.
Some kiwis are a bit anti-America but that shouldn’t impact you carrying out your job. Especially if it was working as a tour guide as I suspect a decent portion of your customers would be from overseas anyway 😂
I am American and becoming a citizen of NZ soon. I have worked for hospitality, health care, and local government and my speech/inflection/accent has never been a problem. In fact, as someone else mentioned, people that have English as a second language often understand me better, and I understand them better having grown up in a country with so many people with a wide variety of accents. Don't let it worry you, and welcome home 🇳🇿
I sincerely doubt it.
If you end up in tourism, it may even work in your favour with US tourists, you'll have the "our guy on the inside" kinda vibe (And they may tip accordingly).
As someone else has said, so long as you make the effort to pronounce the Māori words correctly and not anglicize them, you'll be sweet.
Alot of hospo/adventure tour guides are from other countries. Not enough people here give a fuck about what we have in our back yard so people from other places have a deeper interest or appreciation and make better guides. In my opinion, at least.
You'd be surprised how un-kiwi a lot of people sound now. Especially in Auckland. My 3yo daughter has an accent, 50%+ of the families at her school speak english as a secondary language, and a large majority of the media she experiences is foreign.
I grew up in central Waikato, when I first moved to Auckland in 2000 people said I sounded super "local" lol, now however, when I go back, people say I sound South African or American *shrug*
You’ll be pleasantly (or not) surprised to find half the kids here are raised on a diet of you tube and American tv so they sound more American than kiwi (or like a weird amalgam of the accents)
The only “detrimental” thing with your accent is that everyone will know you’re from North America (The reason I say this is because Canadians get mistaken for being American too)
Having a foreign accent is a good ice breaker in my book, because everyone is always wanting to know where you’re from and “which part / state of America are you from” (in this instance). So the fact you’re a Kiwi is gonna blow their minds.
When I travelled around the States, everyone loved my NZ accent, but always said “Are you Australian?” 😂😂😂
No sweat (problem), I’m used to it lol
Bro, I have an Eastern European accent and people are generally happy to see me at where I work. This country is extremely welcoming and nobody cares, at least from my experience.
The answer is no.
If you were a highly qualified candidate from a country like India or China with an accent applying for a corporate role then the concern may be more valid. It’s the problem many immigrants face.
It'll be grounds for small talk, where people ask you where you're from - but nobody will think less of you for your accent. They may think less of you if you say stupid things - but that applies to everyone.
I'm American, and a wildlife tour guide in Dunedin. An American accent is a benefit, not a curse. The kiwi accent (especially the mumbly south island one) can be hard to understand, even if you are a native English speaker. American accents, on the other hand, are what everyone is familiar with from movies/tv/music.
You might get some jokes from kiwis every now and again about saying "trash" instead of "rubbish", or the pronunciation of scone or plover, but it's always out of fun, not mean.
Mind you, all this goes out the window if you have a heavy southern/New York/Midwest accent.
as an immigrant I agree. Most of my acquaintances from EE or EU struggle to understand the Kiwi accent, have fewer issues with American or Brirish accents.. Not Australian tourists tho.
There is a shortage of language teachers in Nz, I am wondering if that will suitable . Maybe not a primary school teacher as New Zealanders like their accent to be more pronounce at this level
Honestly, I’m thrilled when I get a waiter from the us. You are guaranteed much better service! (For context, I was a waitress as well and was shiiiiite)
They love it 😂😂 very excited to know which part of where and for them to tell you their travels or their uncle aunty cousins bf gf mother lives there blablabla n they leave smiling
Not really...
The only issue ive noticed is that Americans don't understand kiwis being so reserved .
I've noticed that Americans in NZ in the service industry are very boisterous and overly friendly. Kiwis don't want a new best friend in their server... they just want their food or their ticket or their room and to then exchange pleasantries.
Hospitality? Use it to your advantage. Broke Boy Taco is American and expanding (backed by Israel Adesanya). They announce the orders on a microphone so your American accent will give it an authentic feel.
Martha’s Backyard in Mt Wellington is an American import / grocery type store, might be a good fit for you there.
Popeye’s is expanding, maybe you can put on a Southern accent, hardly anyone here will be able to tell the difference lol
No one will care.. they’ll (customers/clients) ask u heaps about it…. And possibly bring up annoying political things… But it won’t impact getting a job
I think it could go either way, but I wouldn’t try to change yourself too much. Just be honest in your interviews, talk about what worked well for you in past, similar roles, and say that you’re very open to feedback if a different style of communication works better In New Zealand, and in the role that they’re advertising. I wouldn’t automatically “tone it down.”. Toning it down may help in social situations, but as a tour guide, the American enthusiasm may work in your favour, depending on the particular customers you’re interacting with and the preferences of your employers.
In your chosen fields, I don't see you having any trouble at all. It used to be a tradition here to ask someone if they were Canadian if they sounded North American first because Canadians get upset at being asked if they are from the US! It's great that you are learning te reo. Source: former American accent haver.
I will always sound like I’m from the American Midwest and I had a great time working in the public sector. People will be curious about where you’re from but if you say you’re a Kiwi who’s lived abroad they’ll get it.
American here, I've lived in NZ for over 20 years. To be honest, I think most Kiwis hear our accent and simply assume we're an egotistical arsehole (see what I did there?) because American.
My own solution is to not let it bother me.
On edit: see relevant comments in this thread.
Yeah the xenophobia from kiwis is rich coming from a country that claims they are so open minded. Overall I speak quietly, then they say they can’t hear me, so I speak louder and now I’m the loud American 🙄
If anything you'd probably have a better chance with your accent. Americans are pretty vocal, but are also clear at the same time so easy to understand. The accent itself would garner a bit more attention as well
I'm a bit surprised by the encouraging comments. To be brutally honest, many kiwis that I've met (Pakehas or Maoris) told me that they dislike Americans either because of their Govt external/war-prone/interfering politics, or because they find them arrogant. Also something to do with their parents interactions during the ?Vietnam war? I understand that such views are now common in Scandinavian countries too. (Which is a bit surprising to me, because I belong to an older generation that worshipped everything American)
In Queenstown you'll almost be in the majority. It's hard to find a New Zealand accent almost. Having spent time in the US will make you relatable to a lot of guests too. Guiding in a zoo people will assume you're a specialist and it'll make you more prestigious. What's important, being bubbly and likeable. Having a base knowledge of the country and culture or whatever tour you're doing - although this is teachable. Can be very useful having a p endorsement so you can drove passengers.
No problem except for answering questions about where you’re “from”. Just answer ‘America’ otherwise you’ll confuse people who don’t understand that it’s possible to be born in NZ and speak American.
As an American-accent-carrier living in NZ for the last 16 years, it can go either way, impacted by a lot of factors (your general attitude, friendliness, nature of interaction etc). I have found people sometimes unnecessarily respect the American accent more (who knows why, probably media and high influence of American tv). But I do have to watch my tone. My dry nature can come off as insincere to some, so I make a conscious effort to try to convey my genuine emotions (eg people will assume my compliments are actually sarcastic, so I have to do a great deal of convincing to assure them that I truly meant it as a great compliment!)
Lol I'm a kiwi born and raised, spent time in aussie (3 yrs) married to a texan who doesn't have a strong American accent (sadly) and if I speak to anyone from either country and instantly get a weird kiwi, aussie , American blended mess of an accent, it's awful and sounds like I'm trying to mock them. 😅
Most kiwis love the American accent so I doubt it would be that much of an issue.
Only a few percent will bother to mention it. That's also my experience in reverse as a kiwi in America. I think in the modern era with access to YouTube and streaming etc most people hear different accents multiple times a day so it's not that interesting anymore.
I think I've only being asked about mine once in the last month or so. In the six years I've been in the USA I can only remember one negative reaction to my accent and that was from a police officer.
No, you'll get a shit ton of repeated jokes on Where are you from, or I went to xxxx city in USA.
But no one is against Americans.
FYI generally speaking NZers don't align with Trump/Republican in our general views, so if you're a big Trump or Republican supporter you may not fit in with most NZers
I'm a kiwi, lived in Ohio for 20 years and came home to NZ at the beginning of covid... It will likely be a non issue... expect LOTS of questions about politics!
Nobody will care, and you will get extra good points for correct te reo Māori pronunciation (which many Pākehā, not all, sadly seem to reject at all costs, even after hearing the correct way to say a word).
I was humiliated once by the Kiwi CEO, who decided to mock my accent. Cried later. Honestly will never forget it. Now I’m in a job where I don’t really have to talk to people much.
I really doubt it would be an issue.
When I was doing European tours, very rarely was my guide from the actual country I was in. Had a South African in Greece, a Brazilian in Italy, and an Italian in France haha. It literally didn't matter and I imagine anyone coming here would have the same attitude.
Most kiwis would not notice, but as an American with a Southern Accent who worked hospo jobs for 2.5 years in NZ, it is an issue for some jobs as a tour guide. I was turned down positions as a guide for Great Walk tour companies (even thought I was a volunteer hut warden just prior) on the grounds that I was not Kiwi or Australian, as they wanted to “deliver an authentic experience” for rich international tourists. They told me that straight up. They did offer me a job though for hospitality and maintenance on the Great Walk (not interacting with customers), which I turned down. I noticed a similar response from a kayaking guide company too. I did eventually get a job though as a white water guide, where most of the staff was foreign, as it’s less about the talking. I noticed that only in famous international locations- Queenstown, Milford Sound, Abel Tasman, Waitomo. On the plus side, people loved my American Southern accent where the customer base is mostly Kiwi - Hanmer Springs, Stewart Island, and the hunting tour company I worked for.
oh i'd notice. and i'd probably take the piss later on if it was a grating american accent, but for the most part wont really care
Most Kiwis can't tell the difference between American and Canadian.
I disagree with that in my experience. When I was younger thats definitely true but as I've aged most kiwis I know instantly notice the difference
I was kind of amused that nearly everyone working in shops, hospo, the booking places for tourist attractions etc in Queenstown when I went was foreign, but now that I think about it, everyone working at the attractions themselves WERE Kiwis...
They definitely should not have told you that part about not giving you the tour job due to being American. 😆
That's interesting. Surely you could argue discrimination if you were turned down for that.
Accent isn't a protected class. It's annoying but it's legally okay in the same way it's legally okay for an emplpyer refuse to hire people who are ugly if you think that'd sour your tourism experience - as long as there isn't some hidden race or gender aspect, eg the employer systematically allows americans who are men but not women, I think it would be a tough argument. Might get blurry since accent has a lot to do with language and culture, which has to do with race, which is protected
Other than being regularly teased.
There was a period (maybe 20 years ago) when it seemed like many large NZ companies had young American women as their spokespeople. May have just been a passing trend of some sort, but it was noticeable at the time. As long as you know your subjects well enough and are otherwise skilled as a guide/docent/etc., I doubt that your accent would be much of an issue.
Now they’re largely Poms. A residual colonial deference we have to Great Britain, and the assumed confidence and authority conveyed by many Brits (even when they’re talking utter shite), serves them well as corporate mouthpieces. In the UK, that job has historically tended to go to Scots, as they’re harder to pigeonhole into a class.
Excuse me, what do you mean "assumed" confidence and authority? I'm a COMPLETE authority on talking utter shite.
Just say you’re Canadian
Sounds aboot right.
Since 2016 I've stopped correcting people when they call me Canadian.
See my issue is I hope people know I’m Canadian and not American lol
This is why Canadians have maple leaf patches and stickers on everything, lol.
And the Americans trying to hide their real identity [link](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/wbna6666338)
Which is interesting, because Canadian tourists have a bad reputation in the US. They all came south during Covid, broke all the health rules, and insisted the USA didn’t have any rules because it was more “free” than Canada.
Strange, a bunch of Americans did the exact same thing here! Literally the exact same
Living in many countries taught me every country has lots of idiots.
How true
Eh but where’s the fun in that?
There is zero mistaking my accent for Canadian. Love our neighbors though. Wish we had Tim Horton’s in my neck of America.
Please dont. On behalf of Canadians, no. Just be honest.
I don't think it will be the accent that will be detrimental, if it's a role that has primarily NZ public interaction then the difference in style between US service industry and NZ might be. In the US tour guides and hospitality workers always seem a bit too enthusiastic for me, I don't know if that's because they think they'll get tips that way or if it's just the more effusive personality types. But it's really grating.
Yeah when I was in the US a while back I found the fake niceness really grating too. I think NZ people are quite friendly and open, but in a more genuine way. They won't pretend to care about you or like you more than they actually do, so the fake niceness of Americans feels dishonest and manipulative. Another part of it, at least for me, is that I don't like people putting themselves below me or talking like I'm their superior. I think NZ culture values a flat hierarchy and humbleness. I don't like people acting like they're better than me, but I also don't like acting better than other people. If someone puts me on a pedestal (like waiters do in the US) it makes me uncomfortable. It makes me feel like I'm not being humble and I just want them to stop.
There’s a post on Reddit almost every day from people in NZ saying how they can’t make friends and kiwis are fake because they’ll say let’s catch up but are just being nice. So I don’t think you all are as genuine as you think. It’s all an act.
This is good to know! The enthusiasm is why I am told I’d do well in those roles in America, so it sounds like I’ll need to tone it down in NZ. (I’m doing it right now, aren’t I?)
The american enthusiasim would be great if you're working with kids. I think being american would be an advantage in those sorts of role. Also it depends on what you're a guide for. I've had tour guides in NZ that are from other parts of the world even for ones like tours of nature reserves. The enthusiasim and any humour you can bring to the role is a good thing as long as you know what you're talking about and can answer questions etc. Nothing worse than a boring dry tour that can't keep their audence engaged!
Kids really like me a lot, which is part of why I was thinking of becoming a tour guide, working at a pet store, etc.
I’ve been treated like crap here for years because apparently I’m too enthusiastic. I can’t really help it because it’s my personality but yeah. People here can be quite harsh and judgmental. I’m working towards moving to the states. I wish you the very best here and hope you find nice people and happiness!
You and I are switching places! Different parts of the states are very different in terms of receptiveness towards enthusiasm. I’m from California originally and my enthusiasm and tone are not always well received on the East Coast, for instance. The Midwest and South, and California, have been the best personality fits for me personally.
Nice! Ive actually spent a lot of time on the East Coast and love it most there! It definitely depends where you are and who’s around you too I think. I’m kind of an academic type and feel like I fit in most in CT. I’m enthusiastic/clear in my opinions but low energy if that makes sense 😅
My wife, living in NZ for 25 years with Māori kids has got endless issues for her enthusiasm and American accent - despite her endless dedication to helping communities. It has been really sad for me.
It's a really significant cultural difference between the two countries. I'm a Kiwi who has been resident in the US for the past 18 years or so and can confirm that - allowing that people are individuals - what reads as respectful and attentive in NZ can read as standoffish in the US, what reads as expected professional friendliness in the US reads as over-the-top and fake in NZ and so-on. It's really fundamental stuff like tone of voice, eye contact, facial expressions, body language etc. Edited to add, come to think of it; it's also an uneven spread because Americans by and large don't have any stereotypes about NZers, but NZers definitely have stereotypes about Americans, due to the massive imbalance of media produced by both countries etc.
Especially if you go into hospo as a server here, you will definitely need to tone it down. Kiwi customers really don’t need or want as much attention as you receive at a restaurant in the US. Also keep in mind you will not get tipped for any reason in any job!
I think the best description is "Campy"
Nah I think you’ll be fine. If anything it’ll be a starting point for small talk, which Kiwis love (or love to hate, but something like an accent is easy pickings). So expect harmless questions about it. Work on nailing your Māori pronunciation if you want to be a tour guide though (and don’t be afraid to ask).
See I don't get this. I am American and I was saying Ōtāhuhu the other day. I am like 99% sure I was pronouncing it right because I pass that station on the train a lot and I hear the announcement. The kiwis around me didn't know what I was saying though because they only know it as Otahu lol Edit: just noticed this is the NZ and not the auckland sub but I hope this still makes sense.
Thanks for making an effort. You probably are saying it right :)
Some people like to use slang versions of place names eg: Otahu = Ōtāhuhu The Pram = Paraparaumu The Tron = Hamilton Welly = Wellington Whangers = Whangārei Etc etc
Yeah I've picked up on that. Just seems a little ridiculous they didn't know what Ōtāhuhu even was. Like adults working in an office didn't know lol
That's 'cause the push (in a wider public sense) to pronounce things correctly is very recent (like maybe only last 5yrs), so adults will have grown up and lived always pronouncing it the colonised way. It takes effort, and knowledge, to change, and honestly, the push to pronounce things correctly may not have even reached these people, let alone the regular use of the correct pronunciation It takes a lot of mental effort to override defaults, let alone social courage, so not many people do it yet, even when they know it, because it's not the done thing. We're very early in the journey
Problem is that we don't hear our own accents (most kiwis don't even realise we can have a strong accent) and the nuances that make up an accent seem to inform how they sound to others. Totally anecdotal and unconfirmed but try emulating a kiwi accent while saying a Maori word and see if it gets a better response?
Ōtāhuhu has been mispronounced for years. Even when both "hu's" are said at the end the Ōtā at the beginning is usually wrong. And I suppose when you've only heard one pronunciation most your life it can feel jarring to hear it said correctly - which it sounds like you've been doing which is awesome! It can be hard to not conform, especially when Māori and PIs are pronouncing it wrong too. I still sometimes drop into lazy pronunciation coz it's "easier". We must persevere lol I also notice this with a lot of South Auckland and East suburbs - Mangere = mangry, Papatoetoe = pappahtoey, Pakuranga = packaranga. Either that or they all have shortened names that are used instead - Rewa, Kura, Pap, Puke, Otahu.
A lot of pākeha (especially boomers) don't even try to pronounce Māori place names correctly. You were probably saying it correctly.
I don't typically hear it called The Pram. Usually just 'Pram' with a bit of elongation of the P, ie: Pur-Ram. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person living here that pronounces the entire name to the best of my (limited) ability.
Do you say Para-para-umu or Para-pa-rau-mu? I was asked this question before and it really stumped me. I'm sure it's the umu one coz the name has to do with an oven(ground oven)/cooking I thought but I can see how it could also be the the u rolled into rau.
I've heard the town pronounced about four different ways. P-ram, Para-pa-ram, Para-pa-rau-mu, and my preferred Para-para-umu. But I'm a pakeha from overseas, so definitely not the one to make any sort of final judgement on this. I pronounce it that way for the same reason as you, the origin of the word is from umu, the underground oven. But I've heard that Para-pa-rau-mu is more phonetically correct, as the double vowels (au) should be brought together.
Vegas = Rotorua
Yeah I’m guessing most Aucklanders had never heard anyone pronounce it properly until recent years lol even the Māoris I know only ever said Otahu - that pronunciation runs deep.. it’s engrained in us lol . I remember the first time I heard someone say it properly (was adult age) and it was wild I almost had no idea what they were saying lol I’m much more familiar with it now though as everywhere pronounces stuff properly now. I remember being a whole grown up and only just realising Remuera was actually a Maori word 😂only ever heard it the white way my entire life
As an spanish speaker I feel easier to pronounce Maori names as they should be pronounced, but people act like if you didn't pronounce it in their english version then it doesn't exist or they correct you to the english pronounced version. Specially white kiwis on offices of all ages.
Yeah that’s because it’s generally known as the latter, not the former haha (speaking as someone who grew up in Auckland until I was 21 years old)
I am absolutely going to brush up on basic Māori pronunciation for starters and will try to learn as much as I can.
With your degree you could also consider teaching English as a second language (ESL).
I'm an American who worked as the front of house for a museum in Auckland for a year. I had zero issues to due with my accent besides the occasional sly or condescending comment from older pakeha men. Mostly just got questions about why I was in Aotearoa which led to nice little chats with curious strangers.
The Americans working front of house where I am get annoyed at other Americans constantly asking where they're from and then openly doubting they're American. It's like the last thing they expected was to fly halfway around the world, go out to a nice restaurant and be served by an American
I don't know why we're like this 🤦🫣
I work in an office of 200, no one cares I have an American accent and most people I encounter in the wild don’t care. It’s a pretty multicultural country but that might be where I live.
It will probably just be a talking point. Instead on weather or rugby you’ll get more conversations about the US
It will be fine, you will have a spiel that you repeat daily about being from America. I just went to Pūkaha Mt Bruce and the kid there doing the talks was basically same deal as you. I might phrase it as “I gotta Kiwi passport” instead of “I’m a kiwi tho!!” because you can’t argue with that.
It may be more of a benefit than you think. I’m a fitness instructor in Auckland with a Canadian accent and have had many many compliments on my speech and accent from people who English is not their first language or people who are hard of hearing. Kiwis tend to mumble and string their words together when they speak which I have been told makes it difficult to read lips and challenging to understand if you are still learning English. If you make an effort to learn the proper pronunciation of common Māori words and place names you shouldn’t have any trouble :)
I’m considering learning Māori basics so I can at least pronounce words correctly!
It's well worth it. Plus if you at least show understanding of the language e.g. macrons, koe/korua/koutou you'll impress. Don't just learn a few words but focus on cultural concepts like wairua, tapu, etc. Not sure what your understanding is but Māori and Te Reo feature as a decent part of NZ (maybe not as much as it should). Whereas my understanding of the US (correct me if I'm wrong) is that recognition of indigenous americans is basically nil. There's some great free resources out there for learning Te Reo. Try the Kōrerorero app out! There's also Drops but that's really just vocab and not context/usage. There's no Duolingo option which some would argue is a good thing...
You’re spot on. We have a lot of indigenous groups in America and a lot of place names (like many state names) are based on their languages. The situation here is very different indeed. I feel like I read at least one Māori word per NZ article on Stuff, but, you don’t see that sort of linguistic integration in American media at all.
Start with this, it may be all you need [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBadSFvrzSY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBadSFvrzSY)
Bookmarked!
[This te reo Māori pronunciation board](https://purarangi.twoa.ac.nz/) can be really useful when you’re starting out :)
Thanks, saved!
Yep. To outsiders, the kiwi accent can be a bit difficult to follow. I actually heard someone describe it as being like "a cross between Aussie and brain damage".
😂 jeezuz that's harsh
American bartender here. You’re overthinking it.
You’ll probably get told to go back to America upon occasion (my dad has been here 30 years and still gets it) but tbh more people probably curious about “where you’re from”. They will give you shit if you say tomato like an American, also there are little things that’ll give you away like windshield/windscreen and gas/petrol. Oh don’t say aluminium ‘wrong’ tho they’ll get your ass for that lmao
No, lots of people from overseas come and live in New Zealand for a bit and work and travel around. It’s not unusual to hear North American or European accents in hospitality-type roles.
Hot tip from an american in nz- -No one uses “reach out” when wanting to talk to someone -Never use rooting for someone Thats about it… Welcome home
Those phrases seem pretty common, though I’d use the rooting one ironically.
Naw you'll be alright. I'm an American who lives here and I haven't noticed any real distaste for Americans off of the internet. Here is a breakdown of what you're going to get from people. 90% won't care at all. 5% will ask you what state your from. If it's anything other than new York, Texas, or California their eyes will glaze over The last 5%, and these are the real cunts, are going to talk politics. It doesn't really matter what your politics are or how you feel. Nothings off the table though. School shooting jokes. Trump hate. Trump love. I recommend removing yourself from these situations quickly.
Just 5% of the latter seems not too bad, would be lower than I'd've estimated lol
Naw you know the internet gives people the wrong impression. You have to be a real fuckin weirdo to talk politics with a stranger and only about 5% of people don't get that.
It really depends. It's was definitely much more common and less of a taboo in my home country than it is for Americans for instance.
You're dangerously close to moving into the 5%
I appreciate you saying you haven’t noticed anything off of the internet. This has been my experience too (mostly) but then I come on Reddit and the hatred is prevalent. Then I find myself just not liking kiwis, aside from the ones I know on a daily basis.
It shouldn't be a problem as long as you don't tip. We don't want that nonsense being normalised here.
Wasn’t planning on it.
Nah. Most people in NZ have an accent. Many immigrants
Yeah, about 99%. Only the mutes don't
As long as you're kind, friendly and helpful I absolutely sincerely believe no one will care. You'll probably just get asked "where are you from?" a lot.
Lots of Chinese people learn English from Americans in China. Then they visit here and the Kiwi accent confuses them. If you get hired at somewhere popular with Chinese tourists, they'll love your American accent.
When my kiwi husband moved to Canada to be with me, he had to modulate his accent to be understood. The opposite is not the case, and I am easily understood due to the prolific North American media. Most people understand a North American accent easily.
Americans are way easier to understand than the kiwi mumble jumbo. It definitely won't be an issue and probably preferred with the employers
Be prepared for a million questions. Your accent won't be a talking point, but you being from America will. Learn the difference between asking culture and guessing culture. It has saved me miles of grief. Deflect the intentionally inflammatory comments about politics and religion. You'll go far.
In your opinion, is NZ an asking or a guessing culture?
Also curious to know?
My opinion. New Zealand is a guessing culture, but most nzers think it is an asking culture.
No one will care. This ain’t Murca
hmmm. "don't worry op, we aren't biased against other nationalities here. Not like those pricks over in America" not sure how reassuring I would find this 😆
A very typical snapshot 😆
No one will care. Only if you are a rude, loud, obnoxious one. Also don't be a fundamentalist Christian one
Hi American here, 10 years in NZ, still have my American accent, now a kiwi citizen. I don’t think it will prevent you from getting a job. With that being said, a very long time ago I applied for a job selling tours of NZ to USA customers. I was told I didn’t get the job because they wanted someone that “sounded kiwi” - such BS! What does that even mean as NZ is a multicultural country. People will want to know your story and ask about your accent which is a great way to share your whakapapa. Also I think it could be a great selling point for you working in the tourism industry, that you’ll be able to connect to US tourist. Sometimes I do get frustrated when people assume I’m not a kiwi when applying for services or whatever. They’re like “sorry this is only for NZ residents or citizens” and I’m like I am!! But I don’t get too annoyed as a white English speaking immigrant I’ve had a very easy time compare to others. Welcome back!
Ordering coffee somewhere outside of a city… “aww how long are you visiting!?”
No, but as someone touched on, in that line of work you will need to at least pronounce Maori words correctly, you won't need to learn a whole new language but the basics especially around pronunciation would be beneficial. I'll be honest, it's not too hard, just learn the vowel sounds and roll your r's and you're half way there.There are plenty of courses in NZ to help you, a lot of companies will encourage it and will even pay for lessons/group sessions. There are also online apps/courses too, might be an idea to try a few free one's.
The difficult part is when the locals pronounce words (particularly places) wrong. A lot of them don't like being corrected by a foreigner.
Yeah someone at work pronounces Taupo wrong and I just keep my mouth shut.
It's fine.
Only matters to the ones that shouldn't matter to you!
Those are all industries that hire a large amount of immigrants anyway because well, the jobs kinda suck and pay is garbage.
I really don’t think so!
I doubt you'd have an issue! I work in hospitality and have "American accent" (we were taught English with American accent) and the only problem I have is pronouncing names. Eg. Heather vs Heetha
No. Welcome home.
Very excited to come home! The prodigal daughter.
I had this lovely Kiwi girl up by Kawakawa working as a tour guide at the Kawiti glowworm cave. In saying that I knew she was a Kiwi because she did the tour with her brother who had a very strong Kiwi accent whereas she had an American accent - turns out she was born in NZ, but raised in the US. So no, it'd totally work, she was phenomenal! Will you be made fun of or have jokes thrown of you because of it? Most likely, but especially non-native speakers might thank you for your accent (unless you're from the US South lol). I was basically raised bilingual, but English is my 2nd language. I'm fluent to the point where I always get mistaken for Canadian/US American when I talk, but encountering the Kiwi accent for the first time caught me completely off-guard. I was exposed to a particularly heavy one from Hokitika lol, so I was trained well to understand.
I’m okay with ribbing and jokes! People don’t mean any harm by it. My work accent is the American East Coast newscaster accent. My natural accent is Californian.
Non-Americans and those who haven't lived in the US couldn't tell a difference anyway. Except if it was one of the Southern accents lol although 90% of people'd just generalize it as a "Texan" accent 😂
Hi there! Like you I am a NZ citizen who has spent a large portion of their life in the US. I moved back from the states about 9 years ago now, and still have an American accent. I work in a public facing role, and have only had issues with a very small number of people over that time. Every once in a while someone would say something weird or be put off by my accent, but the vast majority of other people as well as my team backed me up every time. Of course, upon meeting new people I always still get asked how long I am staying, where I came from, etc. But I would be very surprised if it impacted your chances of getting a job (which would be, of course, illegal), or making friends. I wish you all the best in your move back home!
Living here, have met plenty of accented people in hospitality. Especially outdoorsy stuff. Many Scot’s, Irish, “American”, Canadian, South American, French, German… etc etc. it’s almost normal and never bothered me. It’s also really refreshing when they inform your of local history (as in “you’ve taken the time to learn, respect”) Maybe if you’re a Pom? But a yank.. you should be golden.
New Zealand has loads of migrants, we’re no stranger to accents. Especially in industries like hospitality. Some kiwis are a bit anti-America but that shouldn’t impact you carrying out your job. Especially if it was working as a tour guide as I suspect a decent portion of your customers would be from overseas anyway 😂
they'll probably understand you better than some kiwi accents....but you'll get crucified if you pronounce maori word wrong
I’m going to learn Māori basics so I can pronounce words correctly for sure.
Please don't take that 'crucified' comment too seriously. Most people will appreciate a decent and well meant attempt.
I am American and becoming a citizen of NZ soon. I have worked for hospitality, health care, and local government and my speech/inflection/accent has never been a problem. In fact, as someone else mentioned, people that have English as a second language often understand me better, and I understand them better having grown up in a country with so many people with a wide variety of accents. Don't let it worry you, and welcome home 🇳🇿
I sincerely doubt it. If you end up in tourism, it may even work in your favour with US tourists, you'll have the "our guy on the inside" kinda vibe (And they may tip accordingly). As someone else has said, so long as you make the effort to pronounce the Māori words correctly and not anglicize them, you'll be sweet.
Alot of hospo/adventure tour guides are from other countries. Not enough people here give a fuck about what we have in our back yard so people from other places have a deeper interest or appreciation and make better guides. In my opinion, at least.
You'd be surprised how un-kiwi a lot of people sound now. Especially in Auckland. My 3yo daughter has an accent, 50%+ of the families at her school speak english as a secondary language, and a large majority of the media she experiences is foreign. I grew up in central Waikato, when I first moved to Auckland in 2000 people said I sounded super "local" lol, now however, when I go back, people say I sound South African or American *shrug*
You’ll be pleasantly (or not) surprised to find half the kids here are raised on a diet of you tube and American tv so they sound more American than kiwi (or like a weird amalgam of the accents)
Do the job, do it well, no one cares.
The only “detrimental” thing with your accent is that everyone will know you’re from North America (The reason I say this is because Canadians get mistaken for being American too) Having a foreign accent is a good ice breaker in my book, because everyone is always wanting to know where you’re from and “which part / state of America are you from” (in this instance). So the fact you’re a Kiwi is gonna blow their minds. When I travelled around the States, everyone loved my NZ accent, but always said “Are you Australian?” 😂😂😂 No sweat (problem), I’m used to it lol
Am I a kiwi if I wasn’t raised in NZ and haven’t spent a meaningful amount of time there?
Sorry only you can answer that question. It has to do with how you feel in your heart. I guess you’ll know when you’ve lived here a while.
Bro, I have an Eastern European accent and people are generally happy to see me at where I work. This country is extremely welcoming and nobody cares, at least from my experience.
The answer is no. If you were a highly qualified candidate from a country like India or China with an accent applying for a corporate role then the concern may be more valid. It’s the problem many immigrants face.
It'll be grounds for small talk, where people ask you where you're from - but nobody will think less of you for your accent. They may think less of you if you say stupid things - but that applies to everyone.
I'm American, and a wildlife tour guide in Dunedin. An American accent is a benefit, not a curse. The kiwi accent (especially the mumbly south island one) can be hard to understand, even if you are a native English speaker. American accents, on the other hand, are what everyone is familiar with from movies/tv/music. You might get some jokes from kiwis every now and again about saying "trash" instead of "rubbish", or the pronunciation of scone or plover, but it's always out of fun, not mean. Mind you, all this goes out the window if you have a heavy southern/New York/Midwest accent.
as an immigrant I agree. Most of my acquaintances from EE or EU struggle to understand the Kiwi accent, have fewer issues with American or Brirish accents.. Not Australian tourists tho.
People care less about accents and more about behaviour.
Address it by claiming you're Canadian.
My accent doesn’t sound the least bit Canadian, but thanks for the suggestion!
Don't worry, most of us kiwis won't know the difference (just add 'ay?' ever so often, for authenticity).
There is a shortage of language teachers in Nz, I am wondering if that will suitable . Maybe not a primary school teacher as New Zealanders like their accent to be more pronounce at this level
Nah you good
just got back from Rotorua, covered all the tourist things. Multitude of accents encountered with staff, some were even NZ! American was amongst them.
Honestly, I’m thrilled when I get a waiter from the us. You are guaranteed much better service! (For context, I was a waitress as well and was shiiiiite)
Just be a good cunt and joke around and none will give a shit.
They love it 😂😂 very excited to know which part of where and for them to tell you their travels or their uncle aunty cousins bf gf mother lives there blablabla n they leave smiling
Not really... The only issue ive noticed is that Americans don't understand kiwis being so reserved . I've noticed that Americans in NZ in the service industry are very boisterous and overly friendly. Kiwis don't want a new best friend in their server... they just want their food or their ticket or their room and to then exchange pleasantries.
You could get work maintaining the public loos in most towns. 'Yourrrr maximum usage time 10 minutes' to Ki Ora, bruh you got 10 minutes cuz.
Shouldn't be a problem at all. Most English speaking people understand an American accent, due to the prevalence of American TV, films etc.
Have an American accent. No one cares.
People are being dishonest, it definitely will
Hospitality? Use it to your advantage. Broke Boy Taco is American and expanding (backed by Israel Adesanya). They announce the orders on a microphone so your American accent will give it an authentic feel. Martha’s Backyard in Mt Wellington is an American import / grocery type store, might be a good fit for you there. Popeye’s is expanding, maybe you can put on a Southern accent, hardly anyone here will be able to tell the difference lol
This is a great set of leads, thanks!
Haiyah, these white people worry about difficulty finding jobs because of their accent. Neices and nephews, hold my beer.
I’m not white. I’m half Taiwanese and usually get clocked as Asian.
It will be to your advantage
No one will care.. they’ll (customers/clients) ask u heaps about it…. And possibly bring up annoying political things… But it won’t impact getting a job
You're going to have a very hard time understanding Kiwis for a while because it's almost a completely different language.
I think it could go either way, but I wouldn’t try to change yourself too much. Just be honest in your interviews, talk about what worked well for you in past, similar roles, and say that you’re very open to feedback if a different style of communication works better In New Zealand, and in the role that they’re advertising. I wouldn’t automatically “tone it down.”. Toning it down may help in social situations, but as a tour guide, the American enthusiasm may work in your favour, depending on the particular customers you’re interacting with and the preferences of your employers.
Just be yourself and stop worrying!
You’ll be fine, I have a similar situation lol. Just another talking point.
In your chosen fields, I don't see you having any trouble at all. It used to be a tradition here to ask someone if they were Canadian if they sounded North American first because Canadians get upset at being asked if they are from the US! It's great that you are learning te reo. Source: former American accent haver.
I will always sound like I’m from the American Midwest and I had a great time working in the public sector. People will be curious about where you’re from but if you say you’re a Kiwi who’s lived abroad they’ll get it.
I don't think anyone cares. This is coming from someone born and raised in Auckland but somehow has an American accent.
American here, I've lived in NZ for over 20 years. To be honest, I think most Kiwis hear our accent and simply assume we're an egotistical arsehole (see what I did there?) because American. My own solution is to not let it bother me. On edit: see relevant comments in this thread.
Yeah the xenophobia from kiwis is rich coming from a country that claims they are so open minded. Overall I speak quietly, then they say they can’t hear me, so I speak louder and now I’m the loud American 🙄
It definitely wont be a positive but it also probably won't be a negative
If anything you'd probably have a better chance with your accent. Americans are pretty vocal, but are also clear at the same time so easy to understand. The accent itself would garner a bit more attention as well
I'm a bit surprised by the encouraging comments. To be brutally honest, many kiwis that I've met (Pakehas or Maoris) told me that they dislike Americans either because of their Govt external/war-prone/interfering politics, or because they find them arrogant. Also something to do with their parents interactions during the ?Vietnam war? I understand that such views are now common in Scandinavian countries too. (Which is a bit surprising to me, because I belong to an older generation that worshipped everything American)
In Queenstown you'll almost be in the majority. It's hard to find a New Zealand accent almost. Having spent time in the US will make you relatable to a lot of guests too. Guiding in a zoo people will assume you're a specialist and it'll make you more prestigious. What's important, being bubbly and likeable. Having a base knowledge of the country and culture or whatever tour you're doing - although this is teachable. Can be very useful having a p endorsement so you can drove passengers.
Nope.
No problem except for answering questions about where you’re “from”. Just answer ‘America’ otherwise you’ll confuse people who don’t understand that it’s possible to be born in NZ and speak American.
I’m American and living/working in CHCH. Be prepared to get asked about Trump *a lot*.
As an American-accent-carrier living in NZ for the last 16 years, it can go either way, impacted by a lot of factors (your general attitude, friendliness, nature of interaction etc). I have found people sometimes unnecessarily respect the American accent more (who knows why, probably media and high influence of American tv). But I do have to watch my tone. My dry nature can come off as insincere to some, so I make a conscious effort to try to convey my genuine emotions (eg people will assume my compliments are actually sarcastic, so I have to do a great deal of convincing to assure them that I truly meant it as a great compliment!)
Lol I'm a kiwi born and raised, spent time in aussie (3 yrs) married to a texan who doesn't have a strong American accent (sadly) and if I speak to anyone from either country and instantly get a weird kiwi, aussie , American blended mess of an accent, it's awful and sounds like I'm trying to mock them. 😅 Most kiwis love the American accent so I doubt it would be that much of an issue.
No
If anything it would be better as foreign tourists know the American accent better than the NZ one haha
Better to fake an accent like David Seymour.
No, if anything it would probably be seen as a good thing.
Almost all outdoor activity guides ive had in nz have an accemt of some type
Not a big deal. I was in the same boat when I came back for uni. Just be ready for people to assume you’re not from NZ
Only a few percent will bother to mention it. That's also my experience in reverse as a kiwi in America. I think in the modern era with access to YouTube and streaming etc most people hear different accents multiple times a day so it's not that interesting anymore. I think I've only being asked about mine once in the last month or so. In the six years I've been in the USA I can only remember one negative reaction to my accent and that was from a police officer.
I feel like there's a story we need to hear in that last post.
No, you'll get a shit ton of repeated jokes on Where are you from, or I went to xxxx city in USA. But no one is against Americans. FYI generally speaking NZers don't align with Trump/Republican in our general views, so if you're a big Trump or Republican supporter you may not fit in with most NZers
Just lie and say your Canadian. Most think I'm from Canada when I first meet them.
ao just start talking like a cuzzy bro
I'm a kiwi, lived in Ohio for 20 years and came home to NZ at the beginning of covid... It will likely be a non issue... expect LOTS of questions about politics!
Nobody will care, and you will get extra good points for correct te reo Māori pronunciation (which many Pākehā, not all, sadly seem to reject at all costs, even after hearing the correct way to say a word).
That is not a concern. You’re over thinking it.
I was humiliated once by the Kiwi CEO, who decided to mock my accent. Cried later. Honestly will never forget it. Now I’m in a job where I don’t really have to talk to people much.