Australia & New Zealand: Top Ten Tips for Doing Business Down Under
Deborah Swallow | August 19th, 2009 in : Australasia, General, tips on doing business around the world
Australia and New Zealand follow western business practices, 
place heavy emphasis on individuality and adhere to the ‘norms’ of British business. People speak of Australia as being very ‘out going’ and relaxed, whilst New Zealand is seen as being rather like Britain was twenty years ago. Few Aussies/New Zealanders people speak any other language than English though there is a large East Asian immigrant community in Australia.In terms of language, aA very distinct accent and slang has developed ‘down under’ which can be difficult for non-native speakers of English, used to American T.V., to understand. Best times to visit on business are February to May or October to November.
In this section you’ll find the Top Ten Tips for doing business, along with opening times, holiday dates and festivities for Australia and New Zealand
Australia
- Business is conducted quickly. Any small talk (usually sport or current affairs) is usually brief and negotiating is a brief process.
- The country is so large that contacts and connections are very useful. There is an Australian version of the “Old Boy” network among senior industrial executives.
- Australians are hard working and strive for a better quality of life. Leisure time is important to them, as is sport and recreational activities.
- Be punctual. Time is precious and not to be wasted.
- Once a contract is drawn up both parties are expected to adhere to it. Australian commercial law is very thorough and detailed.
- Be aware: Australians are poor on foreign languages.
- Everyone is equal and status can be treated with irreverence. Australians do not practise deference! Informality is the etiquette.
- Australians are pragmatic. If you have a problem, don’t conceal it. Presentations should be complete – the good and the bad.
- Don’t be off put by the directness in communication. Australians are blunt to the point of being rude. This is not meant to offend. Respond with confidence and good humour.
- Don’t lose your nerve when bargaining. Price haggling is common and everyone is looking for the best deal
Public Holidays:
January 1 New Year’s Day*
January26 Australia Day*
March/April Good Friday date changes every year
March/April Easter Saturday**
March/April Easter Sunday
March/April Easter Monday
April 25 ANZAC Day*
June 2nd Monday Queen’s Birthday (Except Western Australia)
December 25 Christmas Day*
December 26 Boxing Day (except Southern Australia)
*If these holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, they are observed on the Monday following.
**Except Western Australia and Victoria
Weekend Saturday afternoon, Sunday
Business Hours 9.00-5.00
State Holidays:
Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)
March 3rd Monday Canberra Day
August 1st Monday Bank Holiday
October 1st Monday Labour Day
New South Wales
August 1st Monday Bank Holiday
October 1st Monday Labour Day
Northern Territory
May first Monday May Day
July 1st Friday Alice Springs Show (Alice Springs only)
July 2nd Friday Tennant Creek Show (Tennant Creek only)
July 3rd Friday Katherine Show (Katherine only)
July 4th Friday Darwin Show (Darwin only)
August first Monday Picnic Day
Queensland
May first Monday Labour Day
Brisbane
The Royal National (RNA) Show takes place 2nd week of August and is a holiday there.
South Australia
May 18 Adelaide Cup Day (Adelaide only)
October first Monday Labour Day
December 26 Proclamation Day
Tasmania
February 2nd Tuesday Regatta Day (South only)
February last Wednesday Launceston Cup Day (North only)
March 1st Monday Eight Hours Day
April 14 Bank Holiday
October Thursday after 17th Hobart Show Day (South only)
November 2 Recreation Day (North only)
Launceston:
The Launceston show takes place in early October and is a holiday there.
Victoria:
March 2nd Monday Labour Day
November 1st Tuesday Melbourne Cup Day (Melbourne metro area only)
Western Australia:
March first Monday Labour Day
June first Monday Foundation Day
September Monday nearest 30th Queen’s Birthday
Celebrations:
May second Sunday Mother’s Day
September first Sunday Father’s Day
New Zealand
- A friendly and honest people, who are polite, formal and reserved. Be decorous and respectful of ‘appropriate’ behaviour. Business dress is conservative.
- Cultural mix of British reserve, Maori graciousness, and US-style openness. Rank is minimised, equality emphasised, and individual achievement and initiative are encouraged.
- Punctuality is important. Arrive 5 minutes early – that is the custom.
- Business pace is fast compared with Australia
- Negotiations are conducted in an honest, frank, and forthright manner. Present clearly and pay attention to details.
- Contracts are legally binding and both parties are expected to adhere to the agreement.
- Introductory meetings take place in an office, after that in a restaurant over lunch.
- Little attention is paid to wealth and status. You are judged by the person you are. Your word must be your bond.
- Don’t use first names initially. Once a relationship has been established, you can start using first names quickly
- 10. Don’t confuse or compare New Zealanders with Australians. Different country, different people, different culture! Strong rivalry exists between the two.
Public Holidays
January 1 New Year’s Day
January 2 2nd Day of New Year
February 6 Waitangi Day
March/April Good Friday/ Easter Sunday/ Easter Monday
April 25 ANZAC Day
June 2 Queen’s Birthday
October Last Monday Labour Day
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 Boxing Day
Weekend Saturday afternoon, Sunday
Business Hours 8.30/9.00 – 5.00/5.30, (Saturdays 9.00-12.30)
Tags: Australia, business advice, New Zealand, New Zealand top business tips, top business tips
Hello, I'm Deborah Swallow and, for the last fifteen years, I've worked in over thirty countries addressing the complexities of people working internationally across multiple cultures, so individuals and organisations alike can gain an authentic competitive edge and win in international markets. 