Now in my 60s and I can hear my mum in my head “Never turn up empty handed.” It’s a way of saying thank you for the invitation. It’s so ingrained I feel deeply uncomfortable turning up without a contribution. If we can’t contribute to the table then a gift for the host is non-negotiable. Koha, koha all the way.
@@ItsaDrama In Australia it depends, we are a casual country so sometimes someone will bring something but the guests might ask the host first ' do I need to bring anything ? ' , and usually the host says ' just bring a nice bottle of wine ' , a BBQ sometimes people bring extra food, it's not an obligation but sometimes it happens.
As a Brit, this confuses me. I don't know anyone who would go round to someone's house and expect to be waited on. If it's more of an arranged party/dinner its quite common to bring a bottle or a plate. Bit different if you are going round to your best friends for a chat. Maybe it's a generational or area thing.
Bring a plate is usually reserved for when you are having a "get together" rather than inviting someone for a meal, at least in my experience. As you say, a bottle of wine maybe but when I invite someone for dinner, I don't expect them to bring half of it with them.
In Canada we have statutory holidays that are different in each province. There are Federal holidays and provincial holidays. With respect to NZ, in it's formation there were provinces, so each had their own holiday to celebrate the birth of the province. When provincial governments (1875) were abolished they kept the holidays.
Regarding #3: This one's really interesting. So, I'm a 60-yer-old, Pakeha male who has lived in Christchurch all his life. So, a fairly standard Kiwi bloke. One thing that tends to be true of Kiwis is that we like a good deal of personal space. Witness our behaviour on a beach that's got a guy walking a dog off in the middle distance; we bugger off to the next beach that's properly deserted! I think that this carries over to the hugging thing; not until you're properly acquainted with and comfortable with the huggie! I also think that we tend to be a bit binary in the assessments we make of new people we meet. We kinda 'sound people out' until we can judge whether they're "alright" or not and, if they are, we'll do pretty much anything for them (including hugs). That's my thesis, anyway.
Regarding the COVID factor and emotional health: as an introvert who has, in the past, had to endure far too much uninvited physical contact, I'm probably more relaxed and emotionally secure these days simply because I haven't had to a)tolerate what feels to me like waaaay to much physical contact, and b) I don't have to be on guard a vigilant for unwanted hug attacks, so much. The dark cloud of COVID has been an awful thing all over the world, but for me and most other introverts, it has had this silver lining.
I have had Europeans bring an actual plate to a gathering, obviously lost in translation. But I think kiwis just love the concept of showing off their cooking skills and sharing recipes and just making a contribution. When I lived overseas, I just couldn't get used to not taking something to other people's houses, I always thought I was being rude. It is just such a community feel and often if you lived close to the host, you'd be there till the end of the night and help pack up, do the dishes and everyone would be sent home with leftovers.
Regrading #1: How does it hit if you think of it as 'koha?' Thoughtful guests will bring things that you don't have to use immediately. A bag of crisps, a dip that you can just sling in the fridge for Tuesday night with just you two, a bottle of Scotch for the 'punishment drinks' cupboard. Yep, we do this, and , as a pretty regular host, I rather like that we do.
Sounds like a great idea Ian. Just as long as Bri doesn't have to take a salad we'll be fine...🤣 Thank you for being with us and for taking the time to say hi !😊
Hmmm. Its not always bringing a plate. I don't do that when I'm off to my friend's for dinner, unless we've agreed its a shared meal. But I always bring something, it may be flowers, veges or fruit from my garden, or wine, or some such. So I havent spent hours cooking. I've just said thank you in a very simple way. Bringing a plate is usually, where I come from at least, where everyone brings a plate for a shared meal.
Thank you for sharing Annie! yes...I agree with the bringing something thing. We always take wine and flowers, maybe sweets for the kids if they have them, but the whole "bring a curry" thing is baffling...🤣 Have a great week and thank you for being with us!
I absolutely love this channel. I’m always looking out for a new vid. I’m a x pat kiwi living in Australia for 24 years. You guys always make me homesick. Thank you Liz and Bri ♥️
I think its just these two and either a class or generational thing. I'm from the UK and quite a few Brits wouldn't find these things confusing or vastly different.
With the 'Bring a Plate/Potluck', it is just a common courtesy to not want to "drain the host's coffers", not wanting to put a financial burden on the person hosting the get-together. If there is anything left over, it is not shameful for that person to take that 'plate' back home, they would be glad just to help out. As for the personal space issue, with the Hongi, that is a greeting as you say, but the weapon hand is held while the noses merge in greeting, but the rest of the body is spaced out. If they don't know each other then personal distance is required, it is a matter of familiarity, but the distance will grow closer the more you both get to know each other . . . . . and the less sweat will be passed.
In Canada where I grew up people would bring things for pot luck gatherings but LEAVE the food with the hostess for leftovers and wait for their pot or plate to be washed and returned at a later date...I was really surprised when I went to one and my plate was returned to me with the leftover food and I thought I was being insulted that they didn't think it was good enough...
Bring a plate is usually bbq food. Salad, sausages etc that can be easily reheated. Some people become known for a specialty dish that they make so in a group of friends, everyone would usually be known for something and over time you will learn what your contribution can be based on your cooking skills. Eg. My mother always brings a steamed pudding for desert.
Born in NZ and lived here and overseas. I’ve lived in the provinces and Auckland, the latter for the most part. I’m at a loss over the “bring a plate” thing. So 1960s. It’s pretty well like “pot luck”. These two things differ only in that pot luck in my experience seems to be specified more by host. “Will you bring a hot vege dish or a dessert” kind of thing. It’s either formal and the food in its entirety is supplied by host, or it’s bring a plate/pot luck - venue, crockery, cutlery supplied. I’d never think to take a random offering of any old food to a normal sit down dinner party - ever. I would take wine ( always), chocolates, bottle of preserves, potted plant- in other words a gift. I do always ask my host/hostess, “ can I bring anything?” as a matter of course. 99 times out of 100 they say as you do..” bring yourselves!”
yeah Deb, I agree, there seems to be a disconnect between the differences between a 'pot luck' and a dinner part. Am 70 year old kiwi, and my rules are "dinner party - I will just bring a bottle of wine" and 'pot luck - we check what the host wants us to bring usually just one dish." Seriously guys I think most people here do this this way.
Once upon (a long time ago!!!) a time NZers didn’t really go out and our dinner options were extremely limited so we used to go ‘out’ to each others houses a lot… so we used to share the load of entertaining every week 👍🏼
As a kiwi woman I wouldn't hug someone I'm meeting for the first time unless I'd had a prior relationship of some sort (email or phone) but I have no problem sticking my hand out to shake theirs. The 'take a plate' thing really cracked me up. I think of that and pot luck as the same thing. Cheers guys, keep it up. 🙂👍
Hi Liz, Hi Brian, it’s Mike and Jen here from the Kooteney mountains of British Columbia. First of all, I just want to let you know that we love you lots …. you’re quite a couple. We just came back from a tour through New Zealand, five weeks in the south island three in the north. We actually overnighted at he visitor Center up on Taranaki and went hiking on the mountain the next day. We absolutely love New Zealand. We had a camper van, yes we were one of the camper van people. It was Great!!! I’ve just retired Jen still working I often have my coffee and listen to you on UA-cam. I think the bring food comment is really funny. Here in the Kootenays we call it a potluck and everybody brings something and gets together. There could be 20 people or there could be just two couples. We love it. I do understand the joy of just going out to dinner at a friends place, maybe four of you and have everything made for you. I appreciate that and sometimes when we invite people over we say “no do not bring anything we’re doing it all.” There is no right way or wrong way. It’s just an.”Is”. Just signed up for your five day … keep being you. Love to both of you,Mike.
Dear Mike and Jenn What a beautiful comment to receive on this cold brisk Thursday morning! I am thrilled to hear that you guys had a wonderful time here in New Zealand before returning home to your beautiful British Columbia.🇨🇦🇨🇦 Thank you again, not only being with us, but for taking the time to say hi, to introduce yourself and to put Voice to your name. We appreciate you more than you know and can’t wait to get to know you better through email 😊 With love, Liz and Brian xx
With the take a plate thing, in the polynesian culture we take something over for the hosts as a contribution to the evening/event. If theyre hosting dinner sometimes you could take dessert or drinks (not necessarily something to go with the meal). As long as I can remember if I was going to someones house, my parents would always remind us to take something - its just something we've always done. Different to potluck.
You comments about bringing a plate/gift is not restricted to NZ. Most cultures do it to some extent, my Persian friends wouldn't dream of going to someone's place without bringing something. Yes the Anniversary holidays when NZ had Provinces. Now we have Regions which is sort of the same without being a Federal parliamentary system like Canada or Aust.
I'm probably a little hug-shy because if I havent met someone or only casually beforehand, I want to respect people's personal space. It depends on the situation you find yourself in; and I also dont like the pretense some people have for hugging just to show they have a great relationship (when you know they havent, lol). A good eye contact and sincere words are what makes me want to hug someone.
I agree with Brian. I'm from Hawks Bay and worked at a local timber mill. Our logs came from Taupo, and each area had different days off, and as for the hanging it's a greeting of sharing your mind and your breath to become as one
“Taking a plate” is for things like afternoon tea or supper, pot luck dinners are just that. Bringing along crisps and a bottle of wine, helping clear the table and helping with the dishes harks back to pioneering days and when people from the UK want to get away from the class system. There was a huge desire to be a truly egalitarian society back then. As a result there is long held tradition here of, sharing, helping out, rolling up your sleeves and just getting on with it. I am happy to say that this spirit still exists and I witnessed in full flight during the Christchurch earthquakes. Everyone just got together and helped each other as best they could. It was a wonderful, inspiring thing to watch. As for Anniversary Days, they hark back to when many provinces had their own kind of parliamentary system. You are the first I have heard complain about them, it’s just part of life here. I have to say if I was the woman collecting the dog I wouldn’t expect a hug or a what I see as a very formal handshake but I would probably ask her in for a cuppa. Some people are huggers, some not and, for me, a handshake is a too formal and not that neighbourly.
“Please bring a plate”, is generally finger food and usually reserved for an impersonal gathering, i.e. church or club, and stems from the pioneering days when people may have had less family support and all pitching in together became a custom. Pot luck is different and refers to bringing a contribution to a meal - a main dish, veg or salad, or dessert. It’s not uncommon in people’s homes but host usually clarifies that it’s pot luck. Very often a kiwi guest will say to a host ‘Can I bring something’ to be polite but the host’s No should be respected.
We know we don't have to, but we do it and we always will do it. Don't forget NZ is a relatively new country and to be asked to someone's place is a huge pleasure and we feel we need to "help out" and it's been a generational thing because in the early days , here there was nothing. Think of going to a marae, we always take something, these days usually money (koha).
I think the 'bring a plate' started when times were a bit hard and people couldn't afford to fully host another family so if everyone brings something there is less pressure on the host to provide but people could still get to socialise. I think now, so many people have different food needs that it helps to take 'a plate' of whatever you eat. :) OMG Brian it's one day a year to celebrate your region. It is better than if they didn't do one. :) I belong to a really huggy group at the rsa, we usually give a quick hug to people we are playing pool with before and after the game. Some do a hand shake but hugs are pretty standard.
Well for us and I meant my wife and I coming from Puerto Rico is in us to hug when greeting specially my wife . On the last visit from November to this last February we meet our daughter partner family and hugs for everyone , lol and we did brough " a plate " for the dinner invite our daughter reminded us since she have been living there for 20 years now , she is almost Kiwi , lol..
We just had Labour day here in Victoria, but meanwhile, South Australia had Adelaide Cup, ACT had Canberra Day and Tasmania had Eight hours day. and the other 4 states didn't have it off. But the thing is you could have still gone, rushing down on Friday night and rushing back on Sunday you can go down on Friday and have a leisurely trip back on Monday when there is no holiday traffic in the rest of the country. And because it is Taranaki there is little or no traffic when you get back. Try getting back to Auckland on the last day of a long weekend, good luck on the southern motorway.
So in south africa we do something similar (normally) when we have people around for a braai or dinner. But differently with us is that its a much less formal thing. Maybe one person will bring a salad and someone will bring some chips and dip or something small but as Brian was saying normally it would stick to the "theme"
Bring a plate is purposely communicated as you bringing a contribution. Depending on the relationship we'd bring a little something anyway even if it's just a fizzy drink. But at the least we'd ask. And from the other end it's not expected - unless it's directly communicated. If it's expected for you to bring something you'll be asked. It's about sharing the load, helping out.
Love your videos. I will be in New Zealand from America, May 15-30. This is a vacation and exploratory trip. I plan to move to NZ in 2024. I am in education and counseling. Id love to meet while there!
Hi Guys. I'm a Kiwi and I hug people at first meeting IF they are introduced by someone I know e.g if my sister introduces a friend but if it's a complete stranger I will offer my hand to shake. I'm pretty sure our whole family are like that. We always take food when being hosted by others but I've never questioned why we do 😆. Probably because we share what we have with others and we all have or had big families so it wasn't always in the budget. Sorry Bri but you're on your own re regional holidays. I say thanks and enjoy myself. Keep up the good work peeps loving the Vlogs..
Lovely to hear from you Melinda! Than you so much for this great comment, I love it! Have a lovely weekend (I think Bri is turning into a grumpy old man...what say you?? 🤣)
But the trouble with the bank holidays here ( UK) is you can’t go anywhere or do anything on bank holiday because the roads are choca, queues for everything, usually a pile up somewhere, and accommodation is always far more expensive and booked out months in advance. So I’m not a big fan.
You two are cool az ae,Hope you guys and life are good and that you guyz are safe through the stormz n quakez etc,We have close family friendz from England and they are family,They love NZ too.
Bring a plate is both a Kiwi and an Aussie tradition. My wife is English and so is our closest friend, and they both wouldn't dream of turning up somewhere without a plate. Only time it doesn't apply is if the host says not to. And it doesn't take more than a minute to coordinate who brings what.
At formal dinner parties guests aren't expected to bring anything, except maybe their own booze if they have preferences he host doesn't have. But informal dinner parties are different and the invitation will say "Please bring a plate". Especially if its a BBQ or picnic at the beach.
Bri would be upset then, when in the 70s when I worked in the Public sector, Otago anniversary was on Easter Tuesday but for others in Dunedin it was taken as Summer show day in February, so on that day had to work with bugger all customers, most shops closed then on the Government day off when all others were working.
I love the hongi. I think it's an extremely special thing. I've taught my son(he's almost 3) to do it with me just because of our special it is. It's fun for him now because he doesn't know it's meaning but one day he will
I quite fortuitously discovered your channel recently and have been enjoying your uploads. I am a Japanese expat living in eastern Canada. About the subject of "bringing a plate", as a Japanese individual, we never go to a gathering etc. empty-handed. Here in Canada, the closest thing, as you mentioned, is "potluck", and we bring something to a party/gathering. I am surprised to discover that Pommies do not do that according to this upload. By the way, I totally enjoyed your views on Japan (I learned a new expression " like chalk and cheese" from that upload)!
For me, the bringing of food to somebody's house, is like the hongi. In the moment of sharing breath you are, in action, saying, "I am you, you are me, we are one". When you bring food, it is the same thing, it is to whakanoa, or release everything and put everyone on the same level...family...I am you, you are me, we are one and the same.
Pot luck and bring a plate is essentially the same thing. What you bring depends on the venue/facilities and nature of the event (and how much you can be bothered)
I think we Canucks may have the Kiwis beat on their love for eggs, as the Canadian Egg Marketing Board reported that, in 2021, the average Canadian consumed 243 eggs per year. So if the average Kiwi eats 237 per year, it appears we just edge you out by a bit, lol. 😉 The trend towards self-serve gas stations, as well as many other services, is a trend that, unfortunately, has occurred across the Western World. Here in Canada, there's a few full service gas stations around, but not many. Maybe 1 out of every 20 gas stations.
Bring a plate usually applies to morning/afternoon tea, suppers etc not the main meal of the day. It is only in more recent times we have adopted the Pot Luck meal, mainly to help with the cost of putting on a meal for a big gathering of family, friends etc.
Growing up just outside Christchurch, 'pot luck' was common in 1980s and earlier at church (and associated group) get togethers, be it at the church or at people's houses. Usually lunch, sometimes dinner (with BBQ) on special occasions. Sometimes called a 'shared lunch' when it was actually, you know, lunch. Living in the city proper now, it's still a thing. Whether it said 'bring a plate' exactly or not varied a bit, but the concept was generally indicated.
Regarding #2: Each Province (I think it's Provinces?) has an Anniversary Day that (on the day that the Province has chosen to take it in a given year), is a Statutory Holiday in that Province; if you're employed in that Province, you've got a day off (no matter where you live). All our other 'Stats' apply to the whole Nation. Do they have 'State Holidays' in the US, Canada, or Australia or 'National Holidays' in the UK? (Genuine question; i don't know. But, if so, that would seem to be roughly analogous?
Bank holidays (public holidays) are for the whole country. *But* remember that the UK is 4 countries, so there's a small variation between them. Scotland has 2nd January off whereas none of the other 3 do, for example
In Canada, we have some holidays that are provincial--Say, only in Ontario-- and others that are Federal, all across Canada. I can't speak for the US, or Australia.
The first time I encountered "Bring a plate" was on a wedding invitation for a friend's daughter's wedding at our small, rural Northland church. I too thought it meant to... _bring a plate._ My mother had to explain it to me (I was a kid). Lots of "Bring a plate" events in rural New Zealand. But it usually leads to a preponderance of baked goods. Nothing gluten-free!
I now live in Sydney but during my many years of adult life in New Zealand I never went to a party where people brought food. Bottles of wine perhaps. And the wine is often to show your buddies what a wonderful drop you've discovered. It's correct that in New Zealand people don't rush around hugging but I've assumed the reserved English are very similar. The Brits aren't like the French, hugging each other, with kisses on the cheek. Perhaps taking food to someone's party is from early settlers in isolated communities and anyone with basic foods felt obliged to bring a bag of flour for scones or home-brew beer?
Number #1 isn't just a kiwi thing, I have tons of foreign friends and this was a common trait most of our cultures had. I'm actually surprised that this isn't a thing in the UK
It’s tikanga to take something particularly Kai to any home you go too. You take what you can afford, doesn’t matter what it is as it’s the thought and intent behind it. You certainly don’t go to someone’s home and expect to be waited on, you become part of the host Whanau, so pick up a tee towel, wash the dishes and yes help cook the Kai if need be. You both have just displayed differences in culture.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have some different public holidays from England. Wales is considering having a public holiday on 1st March, St David's Day.
I am off to London next week to see my granddaughters for the first time. Yah. If to Portugal for 9 days with the family in their beach apartment. Then fly to Munich to see a friend for a week then back to London for another week before coming back for the winter.
I think there are cultural differences even in NZ. I always bring something if I am invited to a meal - I will bring wine but I will also bring chocolates, preserves, maybe a nice cheese they can eat later. If I go to a friends for afternoon tea I will bring biscuits or something to eat. It is how I was brought up. I have American friends who almost sort of laugh at me when I do it - but they have got used to it now and they live in NZ after all. In my family it comes from a mix of Irish, Italian, Māori and Pasifika cultures who all seem to have similar traditions. My family are also big huggers - but not emotionally engaged in general lol - the form rather than the function 😅
Haha, we have this tradition in Australia too, bring a plate or bring a bottle of wine. People are different and will have something to eat or share with others. ie vegan, halal, kosher, vegetarian, food allergy, non-alcoholic beverage, etc. Hence we always have fusion meals, so normal now.
It's not really bringing a plate to dinner necessarily (unless requested) but we're just polite and bring things as a gesture e.g. a bottle of wine, flowers or something. If you are doing a potluck the host would often specify what to bring.
i think its a family thing where you bring something to add to the celebration, it's common in Samoan culture, but you guys do have a point, as a host you want to treat your guests (key word host/hosting)
The more spiritual the country, the less the inhabitants will want to take on physical impressions. In India, the greeting is very nice, honouring the God in the other, but no physical contact.
Taranaki Anniversary Day commemorates the first settlement, at New Plymouth, in Taranaki Region in 1841. Originally, the area was called New Plymouth Province but was renamed Taranaki Province in 1859.
I learned something new today about the public holidays in NZ. Regarding the hugging, I’m a very physical touch person and I do like to have contact with people, but living in a society where it’s not really acceptable I have gotten used to only having that touch with my friends. A hallo hug or arm touch while talking. How are your cafe visits since the fish and chips shop opened up close by? Have a good week.
It's a Maori thing. It's called Koha. It was a way to help out. Have you been to a Marae and the visitors put down a white envelope that has money in it. This helps with the expenses for running the event, for the rates water, electricity and food. In the old days food was given. A cow, pig, sheep, sack of spuds, kumara, pipi, kina, paua, chopped Wood. Taking something to drink is OK. You may go to a meal and they not have gluten free, at least you've taken something you can eat. It's an opportunity to share pickles, jam or fruit off your tree. When the Provences formed NZ towns were rather isolated and it took hours and hours to get places, so each celebrated their anniversary seperately. I think America and Aus celebrate their various State holidays too.
We always take Paua fritters and sweet n sour sauce when visiting ... they always get demolished within seconds. On the touching thing, we don't even hold our girlfriends hand down the street like they do in europe, yeah nah we don't like touching much only when we play rugby hahaha
I've always found holidays in the UK a bit strange, we have a bank holiday but when I ask anyone what the holiday is for, no one can tell me. What I do like about regional holidays is that you can pop over the border and everything is open! As much as I feel like I know both of you I'd definitely give the hug a miss, I think it goes back to how rural NZ has been throughout its history, we like our personal space and anything closer than six feet is almost an invasion. You've got Bri and the dog Liz, knock yourself out.🤣
As a Kiwi to me it's a sign of respect. I am from the far South and we all call it Pot Luck. Inregards to a collection of the neighbors and friends favorite dishes has made the best feeds I have ever had.
Public holidays are the anniversary of the founding of that area provincial council and gaining its autonomy from the national government back when that was very UK focused. Back before instant communication it worked well. Its only one day per region - every other public holiday is national.
A gift for the host and 'bring a plate' are different things! You bring a gift to the host (for now, or later) when you visit to eat. It's usually a pack of biscuits or a bottle of wine. It's in appreciation of the host's work. 'Bring a plate' is more when you have family or informal events like Christmas. Everyone brings a dish to help out feed everyone. A salad, a dessert (usually homemade), or if it is a barbecue, some meat or beer to share around. 'Potluck' is when you bring hot food to eat together. Everyone brings hot food (usually homemade) and everyone shares. 'Provincial Holidays' mark the founding of the Province back in the days of Provincial government in the 19th Century. Think of it as the Province's Anniversary day (that's what they are called after all!). Do not hug! Some people do this, and it is an invasion of privacy. Some New Zealanders are 'huggy' and I have to say 'no, please do not do that'. Do not shake hands unless it's at the end of a business meeting. Just exchange greetings. Smile, maybe give a wave: "Hey, how are you?". That's enough.
Many hands means light work this includes in the kitchen. When my friends do this it's usually a theme. If its potluck its bring whatever you like.. It's the different regions haha Brian it's not than many. It's just personal boundaries Liz I easily shake hugging not so much not on first meeting 😂
How about being in Dunedin... half of the city takes Otago Anniversary on the actual date (20 March) and the other half (mostly govt deps and the University) take it the Tuesday after Easter - I worked at the University and I was caught out every year with needing to sort childcare for Otago Anniversary Day last minute because the schools take it the actual day and I forgot about it! I agree - it's a bloody nightmare! 😂 Oh, and not wanting to shake someone's hand is a bit weird - I've never come across that except for the height of covid - maybe it is a younger generation thing (but I am a hugger too)... 😕
😂 love this one! No, potluck is not just a curry-we do these especially at work. Men who don’t cook can bring bags of crisps or plates and cups, or soft drinks. It’s a way to lower the cost for the host/hostess (when done at someone’s home) everyone has their favorite go-to recipes to bring things that go well) for years I had a scampi pasta dish I would bring, then I got into baking and would make cakes. To work functions I always made cupcakes. I did theatre and we did these for Sunday table reads-I made a loaded quiche and the director always brought a couple of huge boxes Peet’s coffee (like Starbucks but better)
If it is bring a plate people will tell you. If it is a dinner they are inviting you to, generally it is not bring a plate, you are being invited. If you go round to someone's house you always take something, It is considered rude if you don't, it can be anything ,from a loaf of bread, bottle of milk. There can be slight variations on these rules depending on which part of the country you are in. Also when it is time to leave you do not take anything that you bought with you originally with the exception of dishes or cutlery unless the host asks you to. Generally if there is still food left afterwards the host will say something like , " Would you like to take some of this home?'.
Hi Liz / Brian, Regional holidays date back to the time when NZ had local regional Government's, they were set up because communication was very slow/difficult/or nearly impossible between the regions. This system was officially done away with in 1875 when with the advent of telegram and the expansion of railways communication became so much easier and reliable. The regional anniversary holiday is a left-over from those early settler days. The individual holiday just stuck whereas the local government system was ceased completely. Re pot luck dinners is just that, bring whatever you want, that way all the guests are going to get a big surprise. Most folk just love it! Hope this explains all.
bring a plate also called pot luck LMAO the "theme" is simple get the gang round for a good time and a great night with out having to cater for everyone you know :) just like having a BBQ and you bring meat and beer they do the salad and cleaning up :)
It's Maoei tradition to give a Koha when you are a guest. We also help with the cooking and cleansing. It's a gathering of coming together not just to eat. It's one public holiday Brian get over it bro lol
I take a vegetarian dish to share so the host doesn't need to cater for my eccentricities. Local holidays are great for seeing friends, and I'm a fan of hugging but it's just a matter of gauging how frosty some people might be, made more complicated by Covid
Usually I allow the other person to initiate the greeting, handshake, hug, hongi, etc. As a woman I had to get used to not "touching" (handshaking let alone hugging is a big NO) when I was introduced to Muslim men, felt strange at first but got used to it.
Goodness no! As a South African we always do a “bring & braai” or “dop n tjop”(alcohol & chop as in meat) . Basically you all bring your own meat and drinks - but ALWAYS waaay too much of each, just in case and we all share - the meat goes into a “collective pan” and everyone helps themselves. But we will also organize who brings the potato bake, desert (milk tart , malva pudding, peppermint crisp pudding etc) and salad and garlic bread. We arrive and help last minute prep then relax and catch-up. We would never expect the host to cater for all - also these gatherings will include multiple families so they are not small affairs 😂
There are always stories to tell about "bringing a plate". Many I have seen myself, and often told to me by others of their own experience. Bringing empty plates was quite common, and for others feeling bad, they brought along cutleries, cups as well 🤣 Years ago we invited our new English neighbours to our pot luck dinner where we also invited other friends. They brought dessert - a packet of Tim Tams. To this day, whenever we get together, that hillarious time would be brought up and we always have a laugh about it. I love to try other's cooking and I find pot luck is a lot of fun. More often than not, it tend to be the same hosting dinners so it is a way to contribute, help out as well. Provincial/Regional Anniversaries originated by your ancestors, the English Settlers. The anniversary was basically the founding days or first colonist arriving in that area.The anniversary was based on local customs and practices. Most regions celebrate their anniversary now with a theme of connecting the Country & Town and you often find Agriculture & Pastoral (A&P) shows during this time.
hi guys there are two different types of invites here in NZ one is your invited to someones home for tea where you dont need to bring a plate etc but you might bring a drink (alcohol ) to have with the meal that the host is providing ,and then there is what is called a pot luck tea which everyone or couple brings a plate to share in . PS: pot luck is just a saying , it doesnt refer to a pot of food etc , it just means it will be mystery as to what type of food people will bring to the table to eat
The only time we bring a plate is to a potluck. If we are hosting a dinner, we do NOT expect people to bring food. However, it is in our Kiwi psyche to take a hostess gift so normally it's wine or chocolates or something.
I love listening to you guys. I really identify with Brian as he does his fake reactions to you Liz. I must say that you guys are a major catalyst to me moving back to NZ after 33 years away. I'm coming down for the month of Feb to enjoy my family and mates then returning to the US and spending about a year divesting myself of decades of life spent here. I love your commentaries....keep it up. Les
Tis a Maori tradition that when anyone turns up at your house, then you do your best to feed them. In many cases no matter how financial you are you feed your guests. This is now looked upon as a way of offering a koha to your host to assist in the providing the meal. I as kiwi Love this tradition.
Don't they do 'bring a plate' all around the world? You shouldn't make your host supply EVERYTHING, that's rude to come empty handed. Regional anniversary days, don't they do that around the world, too? The reason is the regions were founded at different times so they celebrate their anniversary on the date they were founded. And freight companies know which regions have their anniversary day so that's not a problem. Having all the anniversaries at the same time would be like you having to have your wedding anniversary the same day as everyone else in your town. That wouldn't go down well right. I'm a handshaker but that's as far as it goes unless it's a family member or close friend.
In the Uk, it is often just wine or else some flowers or choc but we have never taken food. Thank yo for watching David and for leaving such a great comment! We appreciate you 😊
oh you guys are so funny, pot luck is more when you actually take a course for the meal, like mains, desert or whatever, i like that we take a contribution when we go to someones for dinner, i am just used to the city holidays celebrating themselves, but i see what you mean when someone is in another city.
Maori call it Manaakitanga , reciprocated sharing. Bringing a plate is normal Maori custom. You never go anywhere without sharing something with other host. A koha- donation in other words...I believe Maori culture has become the norm in NZ. 😊
Now in my 60s and I can hear my mum in my head “Never turn up empty handed.” It’s a way of saying thank you for the invitation. It’s so ingrained I feel deeply uncomfortable turning up without a contribution. If we can’t contribute to the table then a gift for the host is non-negotiable. Koha, koha all the way.
Thank you so much for watching and for being with us Penney! We appreciate you taking the time to share! Have a lovely week! 😊
The culture of taking a plate could possibly have some connection to the Maori tradition of the koha, where you take something to gift to the hosts.
Great point! Thank you for being with us as always! 😊
@@ItsaDrama In Australia it depends, we are a casual country so sometimes someone will bring something but the guests might ask the host first ' do I need to bring anything ? ' , and usually the host says ' just bring a nice bottle of wine ' , a BBQ sometimes people bring extra food, it's not an obligation but sometimes it happens.
As a Brit, this confuses me. I don't know anyone who would go round to someone's house and expect to be waited on. If it's more of an arranged party/dinner its quite common to bring a bottle or a plate. Bit different if you are going round to your best friends for a chat. Maybe it's a generational or area thing.
@D where I grew up in Canada it was always defined as a potluck or it was expected that the host provides dinner completely
Bring a plate is usually reserved for when you are having a "get together" rather than inviting someone for a meal, at least in my experience. As you say, a bottle of wine maybe but when I invite someone for dinner, I don't expect them to bring half of it with them.
In Canada we have statutory holidays that are different in each province. There are Federal holidays and provincial holidays.
With respect to NZ, in it's formation there were provinces, so each had their own holiday to celebrate the birth of the province. When provincial governments (1875) were abolished they kept the holidays.
Regarding #3: This one's really interesting. So, I'm a 60-yer-old, Pakeha male who has lived in Christchurch all his life. So, a fairly standard Kiwi bloke. One thing that tends to be true of Kiwis is that we like a good deal of personal space. Witness our behaviour on a beach that's got a guy walking a dog off in the middle distance; we bugger off to the next beach that's properly deserted! I think that this carries over to the hugging thing; not until you're properly acquainted with and comfortable with the huggie! I also think that we tend to be a bit binary in the assessments we make of new people we meet. We kinda 'sound people out' until we can judge whether they're "alright" or not and, if they are, we'll do pretty much anything for them (including hugs). That's my thesis, anyway.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Ian! 😊
Same with fences around every property 😂
Regarding the COVID factor and emotional health: as an introvert who has, in the past, had to endure far too much uninvited physical contact, I'm probably more relaxed and emotionally secure these days simply because I haven't had to a)tolerate what feels to me like waaaay to much physical contact, and b) I don't have to be on guard a vigilant for unwanted hug attacks, so much.
The dark cloud of COVID has been an awful thing all over the world, but for me and most other introverts, it has had this silver lining.
I find it weird that people would expect to hug someone first time they meet. This isn't a British thing either, I think its just them.
@@Danjs112 Liz does give the impression of being a very exuberant, huggy person.
I have had Europeans bring an actual plate to a gathering, obviously lost in translation. But I think kiwis just love the concept of showing off their cooking skills and sharing recipes and just making a contribution.
When I lived overseas, I just couldn't get used to not taking something to other people's houses, I always thought I was being rude.
It is just such a community feel and often if you lived close to the host, you'd be there till the end of the night and help pack up, do the dishes and everyone would be sent home with leftovers.
Yeah kiwis all have one or two dishes up their sleaves that they consider special enough for "bring a plate" or any invited occasion ❤️
I love this! Thank you for sharing 😊
“Taking food, flowers, chocolates or something like that is also very common in Australia.
Thank you so much Carol! We appreciate you being with us and saying hi! 😊
Regrading #1: How does it hit if you think of it as 'koha?' Thoughtful guests will bring things that you don't have to use immediately. A bag of crisps, a dip that you can just sling in the fridge for Tuesday night with just you two, a bottle of Scotch for the 'punishment drinks' cupboard. Yep, we do this, and , as a pretty regular host, I rather like that we do.
Sounds like a great idea Ian. Just as long as Bri doesn't have to take a salad we'll be fine...🤣 Thank you for being with us and for taking the time to say hi !😊
Hmmm. Its not always bringing a plate. I don't do that when I'm off to my friend's for dinner, unless we've agreed its a shared meal. But I always bring something, it may be flowers, veges or fruit from my garden, or wine, or some such. So I havent spent hours cooking. I've just said thank you in a very simple way. Bringing a plate is usually, where I come from at least, where everyone brings a plate for a shared meal.
Thank you for sharing Annie! yes...I agree with the bringing something thing. We always take wine and flowers, maybe sweets for the kids if they have them, but the whole "bring a curry" thing is baffling...🤣 Have a great week and thank you for being with us!
I absolutely love this channel. I’m always looking out for a new vid. I’m a x pat kiwi living in Australia for 24 years. You guys always make me homesick. Thank you Liz and Bri ♥️
Glad you like them my friend! We really appreciate your kind words and your support. Thank you ❤️
Come home when you can.
I love the Kiwi Tradition, bringing some food and join the party.
Just appreciated it.
I hope no one going to change the Kiwi things in Kiwi land.
I think its just these two and either a class or generational thing. I'm from the UK and quite a few Brits wouldn't find these things confusing or vastly different.
With the 'Bring a Plate/Potluck', it is just a common courtesy to not want to "drain the host's coffers", not wanting to put a financial burden on the person hosting the get-together. If there is anything left over, it is not shameful for that person to take that 'plate' back home, they would be glad just to help out.
As for the personal space issue, with the Hongi, that is a greeting as you say, but the weapon hand is held while the noses merge in greeting, but the rest of the body is spaced out. If they don't know each other then personal distance is required, it is a matter of familiarity, but the distance will grow closer the more you both get to know each other . . . . . and the less sweat will be passed.
Thank you so much for sharing this information John! See, this is why this community is so amazing...we learn so many different things. Thank you! 😊
@@ItsaDrama , you are welcomed . . . maybe Brian could learn to be a sparky, that way he can fix himself up when he "blows a fuse". 🤪
In Canada where I grew up people would bring things for pot luck gatherings but LEAVE the food with the hostess for leftovers and wait for their pot or plate to be washed and returned at a later date...I was really surprised when I went to one and my plate was returned to me with the leftover food and I thought I was being insulted that they didn't think it was good enough...
In Auckland we hug when we meet each other
Bring a plate is usually bbq food. Salad, sausages etc that can be easily reheated. Some people become known for a specialty dish that they make so in a group of friends, everyone would usually be known for something and over time you will learn what your contribution can be based on your cooking skills. Eg. My mother always brings a steamed pudding for desert.
Thank you for giving us such a pleasant time listening you! I am going move to New Zealand this July and I find you guys so helpful!
You are very welcome Tamara, thank you for joining us! 😊
Born in NZ and lived here and overseas. I’ve lived in the provinces and Auckland, the latter for the most part. I’m at a loss over the “bring a plate” thing. So 1960s. It’s pretty well like “pot luck”. These two things differ only in that pot luck in my experience seems to be specified more by host. “Will you bring a hot vege dish or a dessert” kind of thing. It’s either formal and the food in its entirety is supplied by host, or it’s bring a plate/pot luck - venue, crockery, cutlery supplied. I’d never think to take a random offering of any old food to a normal sit down dinner party - ever. I would take wine ( always), chocolates, bottle of preserves, potted plant- in other words a gift. I do always ask my host/hostess, “ can I bring anything?” as a matter of course. 99 times out of 100 they say as you do..” bring yourselves!”
Thank you for sharing Deb! So lovely to hear different ways! Love it 🥰 Thank you!
I say that too! 😂😂
yeah Deb, I agree, there seems to be a disconnect between the differences between a 'pot luck' and a dinner part. Am 70 year old kiwi, and my rules are "dinner party - I will just bring a bottle of wine" and 'pot luck - we check what the host wants us to bring usually just one dish." Seriously guys I think most people here do this this way.
Once upon (a long time ago!!!) a time NZers didn’t really go out and our dinner options were extremely limited so we used to go ‘out’ to each others houses a lot… so we used to share the load of entertaining every week 👍🏼
Just remember, if the host asks you to put your keys in a bowl. It could be time to leave at that point. 😂
Hahahah!!!
😂😂
As a kiwi woman I wouldn't hug someone I'm meeting for the first time unless I'd had a prior relationship of some sort (email or phone) but I have no problem sticking my hand out to shake theirs. The 'take a plate' thing really cracked me up. I think of that and pot luck as the same thing. Cheers guys, keep it up. 🙂👍
Thank you for being with us! We are grateful to have you and appreciate you taking the time to share! Thank you! 🥰
Hi Liz, Hi Brian,
it’s Mike and Jen here from the Kooteney mountains of British Columbia. First of all, I just want to let you know that we love you lots …. you’re quite a couple. We just came back from a tour through New Zealand, five weeks in the south island three in the north. We actually overnighted at he visitor Center up on Taranaki and went hiking on the mountain the next day. We absolutely love New Zealand. We had a camper van, yes we were one of the camper van people. It was Great!!!
I’ve just retired Jen still working I often have my coffee and listen to you on UA-cam. I think the bring food comment is really funny. Here in the Kootenays we call it a potluck and everybody brings something and gets together. There could be 20 people or there could be just two couples. We love it. I do understand the joy of just going out to dinner at a friends place, maybe four of you and have everything made for you. I appreciate that and sometimes when we invite people over we say “no do not bring anything we’re doing it all.”
There is no right way or wrong way. It’s just an.”Is”. Just signed up for your five day … keep being you.
Love to both of you,Mike.
Dear Mike and Jenn
What a beautiful comment to receive on this cold brisk Thursday morning!
I am thrilled to hear that you guys had a wonderful time here in New Zealand before returning home to your beautiful British Columbia.🇨🇦🇨🇦
Thank you again, not only being with us, but for taking the time to say hi, to introduce yourself and to put Voice to your name.
We appreciate you more than you know and can’t wait to get to know you better through email 😊
With love, Liz and Brian xx
With the take a plate thing, in the polynesian culture we take something over for the hosts as a contribution to the evening/event. If theyre hosting dinner sometimes you could take dessert or drinks (not necessarily something to go with the meal). As long as I can remember if I was going to someones house, my parents would always remind us to take something - its just something we've always done. Different to potluck.
You comments about bringing a plate/gift is not restricted to NZ. Most cultures do it to some extent, my Persian friends wouldn't dream of going to someone's place without bringing something. Yes the Anniversary holidays when NZ had Provinces. Now we have Regions which is sort of the same without being a Federal parliamentary system like Canada or Aust.
Thank you so much Ambrose! We appreciate you being with us and saying hi! 😊
I'm probably a little hug-shy because if I havent met someone or only casually beforehand, I want to respect people's personal space. It depends on the situation you find yourself in; and I also dont like the pretense some people have for hugging just to show they have a great relationship (when you know they havent, lol). A good eye contact and sincere words are what makes me want to hug someone.
I agree with Brian. I'm from Hawks Bay and worked at a local timber mill. Our logs came from Taupo, and each area had different days off, and as for the hanging it's a greeting of sharing your mind and your breath to become as one
Thanks for sharing! 😊
“Taking a plate” is for things like afternoon tea or supper, pot luck dinners are just that. Bringing along crisps and a bottle of wine, helping clear the table and helping with the dishes harks back to pioneering days and when people from the UK want to get away from the class system. There was a huge desire to be a truly egalitarian society back then. As a result there is long held tradition here of, sharing, helping out, rolling up your sleeves and just getting on with it. I am happy to say that this spirit still exists and I witnessed in full flight during the Christchurch earthquakes. Everyone just got together and helped each other as best they could. It was a wonderful, inspiring thing to watch. As for Anniversary Days, they hark back to when many provinces had their own kind of parliamentary system. You are the first I have heard complain about them, it’s just part of life here. I have to say if I was the woman collecting the dog I wouldn’t expect a hug or a what I see as a very formal handshake but I would probably ask her in for a cuppa. Some people are huggers, some not and, for me, a handshake is a too formal and not that neighbourly.
“Please bring a plate”, is generally finger food and usually reserved for an impersonal gathering, i.e. church or club, and stems from the pioneering days when people may have had less family support and all pitching in together became a custom. Pot luck is different and refers to bringing a contribution to a meal - a main dish, veg or salad, or dessert. It’s not uncommon in people’s homes but host usually clarifies that it’s pot luck. Very often a kiwi guest will say to a host ‘Can I bring something’ to be polite but the host’s No should be respected.
We know we don't have to, but we do it and we always will do it. Don't forget NZ is a relatively new country and to be asked to someone's place is a huge pleasure and we feel we need to "help out" and it's been a generational thing because in the early days , here there was nothing. Think of going to a marae, we always take something, these days usually money (koha).
I think the 'bring a plate' started when times were a bit hard and people couldn't afford to fully host another family so if everyone brings something there is less pressure on the host to provide but people could still get to socialise. I think now, so many people have different food needs that it helps to take 'a plate' of whatever you eat. :)
OMG Brian it's one day a year to celebrate your region. It is better than if they didn't do one. :)
I belong to a really huggy group at the rsa, we usually give a quick hug to people we are playing pool with before and after the game. Some do a hand shake but hugs are pretty standard.
Lovely to hear from you as always Anna! 😊
Well for us and I meant my wife and I coming from Puerto Rico is in us to hug when greeting specially my wife . On the last visit from November to this last February we meet our daughter partner family and hugs for everyone , lol and we did brough " a plate " for the dinner invite our daughter reminded us since she have been living there for 20 years now , she is almost Kiwi , lol..
We just had Labour day here in Victoria, but meanwhile, South Australia had Adelaide Cup, ACT had Canberra Day and Tasmania had Eight hours day. and the other 4 states didn't have it off.
But the thing is you could have still gone, rushing down on Friday night and rushing back on Sunday you can go down on Friday and have a leisurely trip back on Monday when there is no holiday traffic in the rest of the country. And because it is Taranaki there is little or no traffic when you get back.
Try getting back to Auckland on the last day of a long weekend, good luck on the southern motorway.
So in south africa we do something similar (normally) when we have people around for a braai or dinner.
But differently with us is that its a much less formal thing.
Maybe one person will bring a salad and someone will bring some chips and dip or something small but as Brian was saying normally it would stick to the "theme"
Bring a plate is purposely communicated as you bringing a contribution. Depending on the relationship we'd bring a little something anyway even if it's just a fizzy drink. But at the least we'd ask. And from the other end it's not expected - unless it's directly communicated. If it's expected for you to bring something you'll be asked. It's about sharing the load, helping out.
Love your videos. I will be in New Zealand from America, May 15-30. This is a vacation and exploratory trip. I plan to move to NZ in 2024. I am in education and counseling. Id love to meet while there!
Thank you for your kind words. Have a wonderful time in NZ Greg! 😊
Hi Guys. I'm a Kiwi and I hug people at first meeting IF they are introduced by someone I know e.g if my sister introduces a friend but if it's a complete stranger I will offer my hand to shake. I'm pretty sure our whole family are like that. We always take food when being hosted by others but I've never questioned why we do 😆. Probably because we share what we have with others and we all have or had big families so it wasn't always in the budget. Sorry Bri but you're on your own re regional holidays. I say thanks and enjoy myself. Keep up the good work peeps loving the Vlogs..
Lovely to hear from you Melinda! Than you so much for this great comment, I love it! Have a lovely weekend (I think Bri is turning into a grumpy old man...what say you?? 🤣)
@@ItsaDrama Love it 😀
I just love your banter. I’m a Maori/ English kiwi and have to watch.
Thank you so much Rachel! We appreciate you being with us and saying hi! 😊
lol it really is a drama.. hello from Auckland
But the trouble with the bank holidays here ( UK) is you can’t go anywhere or do anything on bank holiday because the roads are choca, queues for everything, usually a pile up somewhere, and accommodation is always far more expensive and booked out months in advance. So I’m not a big fan.
You two are cool az ae,Hope you guys and life are good and that you guyz are safe through the stormz n quakez etc,We have close family friendz from England and they are family,They love NZ too.
Thank you for joining us! And yes we have tried cream paua! YUM!!
Bring a plate is both a Kiwi and an Aussie tradition. My wife is English and so is our closest friend, and they both wouldn't dream of turning up somewhere without a plate. Only time it doesn't apply is if the host says not to. And it doesn't take more than a minute to coordinate who brings what.
It's normal here to bring a plate of food. I didn't realize it's not normal in other countries 🤷♀️. I'm glad it's unique to our nation.
At formal dinner parties guests aren't expected to bring anything, except maybe their own booze if they have preferences he host doesn't have. But informal dinner parties are different and the invitation will say "Please bring a plate". Especially if its a BBQ or picnic at the beach.
Bri would be upset then, when in the 70s when I worked in the Public sector, Otago anniversary was on Easter Tuesday but for others in Dunedin it was taken as Summer show day in February, so on that day had to work with bugger all customers, most shops closed then on the Government day off when all others were working.
I love the hongi. I think it's an extremely special thing. I've taught my son(he's almost 3) to do it with me just because of our special it is. It's fun for him now because he doesn't know it's meaning but one day he will
I quite fortuitously discovered your channel recently and have been enjoying your uploads. I am a Japanese expat living in eastern Canada. About the subject of "bringing a plate", as a Japanese individual, we never go to a gathering etc. empty-handed. Here in Canada, the closest thing, as you mentioned, is "potluck", and we bring something to a party/gathering. I am surprised to discover that Pommies do not do that according to this upload. By the way, I totally enjoyed your views on Japan (I learned a new expression " like chalk and cheese" from that upload)!
Kiwi living in aus for 35 years. Aussies ask you to bring a plate also
For me, the bringing of food to somebody's house, is like the hongi. In the moment of sharing breath you are, in action, saying, "I am you, you are me, we are one". When you bring food, it is the same thing, it is to whakanoa, or release everything and put everyone on the same level...family...I am you, you are me, we are one and the same.
When put like that it sounds beautiful honey. Thank you for giving us another way of viewing it and thank you for being with us. 😊
Pot luck and bring a plate is essentially the same thing. What you bring depends on the venue/facilities and nature of the event (and how much you can be bothered)
I think we Canucks may have the Kiwis beat on their love for eggs, as the Canadian Egg Marketing Board reported that, in 2021, the average Canadian consumed 243 eggs per year. So if the average Kiwi eats 237 per year, it appears we just edge you out by a bit, lol. 😉
The trend towards self-serve gas stations, as well as many other services, is a trend that, unfortunately, has occurred across the Western World. Here in Canada, there's a few full service gas stations around, but not many. Maybe 1 out of every 20 gas stations.
Thank you so much Terry! We appreciate you being with us and saying hi! 😊
Hahaha, honestly, I would have hugged you had my whole body not been sweaty! 🤣My wife and I are huggers!
Love you, guys!
🤣 you are the best Poko! Lovely to meet you! 😘
Bring a plate usually applies to morning/afternoon tea, suppers etc not the main meal of the day. It is only in more recent times we have adopted the Pot Luck meal, mainly to help with the cost of putting on a meal for a big gathering of family, friends etc.
Growing up just outside Christchurch, 'pot luck' was common in 1980s and earlier at church (and associated group) get togethers, be it at the church or at people's houses. Usually lunch, sometimes dinner (with BBQ) on special occasions. Sometimes called a 'shared lunch' when it was actually, you know, lunch. Living in the city proper now, it's still a thing. Whether it said 'bring a plate' exactly or not varied a bit, but the concept was generally indicated.
Regarding #2: Each Province (I think it's Provinces?) has an Anniversary Day that (on the day that the Province has chosen to take it in a given year), is a Statutory Holiday in that Province; if you're employed in that Province, you've got a day off (no matter where you live). All our other 'Stats' apply to the whole Nation. Do they have 'State Holidays' in the US, Canada, or Australia or 'National Holidays' in the UK? (Genuine question; i don't know. But, if so, that would seem to be roughly analogous?
Bank holidays (public holidays) are for the whole country. *But* remember that the UK is 4 countries, so there's a small variation between them. Scotland has 2nd January off whereas none of the other 3 do, for example
In Canada, we have some holidays that are provincial--Say, only in Ontario-- and others that are Federal, all across Canada. I can't speak for the US, or Australia.
The first time I encountered "Bring a plate" was on a wedding invitation for a friend's daughter's wedding at our small, rural Northland church. I too thought it meant to... _bring a plate._ My mother had to explain it to me (I was a kid).
Lots of "Bring a plate" events in rural New Zealand. But it usually leads to a preponderance of baked goods. Nothing gluten-free!
Kia ora, years ago our friends from Holland took empty plates to dinner lol, still providing laughs to this day, I guess that's their koha 😊
I now live in Sydney but during my many years of adult life in New Zealand I never went to a party where people brought food. Bottles of wine perhaps. And the wine is often to show your buddies what a wonderful drop you've discovered.
It's correct that in New Zealand people don't rush around hugging but I've assumed the reserved English are very similar. The Brits aren't like the French, hugging each other, with kisses on the cheek.
Perhaps taking food to someone's party is from early settlers in isolated communities and anyone with basic foods felt obliged to bring a bag of flour for scones or home-brew beer?
Number #1 isn't just a kiwi thing, I have tons of foreign friends and this was a common trait most of our cultures had. I'm actually surprised that this isn't a thing in the UK
Maybe poms are not as sharing,? A IL bit tight lol
It’s tikanga to take something particularly Kai to any home you go too. You take what you can afford, doesn’t matter what it is as it’s the thought and intent behind it. You certainly don’t go to someone’s home and expect to be waited on, you become part of the host Whanau, so pick up a tee towel, wash the dishes and yes help cook the Kai if need be. You both have just displayed differences in culture.
Brian just go with the flow she be right take your holiday and enjoy.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have some different public holidays from England. Wales is considering having a public holiday on 1st March, St David's Day.
I am off to London next week to see my granddaughters for the first time. Yah. If to Portugal for 9 days with the family in their beach apartment. Then fly to Munich to see a friend for a week then back to London for another week before coming back for the winter.
I think there are cultural differences even in NZ. I always bring something if I am invited to a meal - I will bring wine but I will also bring chocolates, preserves, maybe a nice cheese they can eat later. If I go to a friends for afternoon tea I will bring biscuits or something to eat. It is how I was brought up. I have American friends who almost sort of laugh at me when I do it - but they have got used to it now and they live in NZ after all. In my family it comes from a mix of Irish, Italian, Māori and Pasifika cultures who all seem to have similar traditions. My family are also big huggers - but not emotionally engaged in general lol - the form rather than the function 😅
Haha, we have this tradition in Australia too, bring a plate or bring a bottle of wine. People are different and will have something to eat or share with others. ie vegan, halal, kosher, vegetarian, food allergy, non-alcoholic beverage, etc. Hence we always have fusion meals, so normal now.
Haha have you guyz tried kina and cream paua by any chance?And what were your thoughts about it lol,P.s i agree with Brain a day off for all or none
It's not really bringing a plate to dinner necessarily (unless requested) but we're just polite and bring things as a gesture e.g. a bottle of wine, flowers or something. If you are doing a potluck the host would often specify what to bring.
i think its a family thing where you bring something to add to the celebration, it's common in Samoan culture, but you guys do have a point, as a host you want to treat your guests (key word host/hosting)
The more spiritual the country, the less the inhabitants will want to take on physical impressions. In India, the greeting is very nice, honouring the God in the other, but no physical contact.
I've never heard of regional days off. If our district had some kind of district celebration, it was done after work hours. Like Guy Fawkes.
Taranaki Anniversary Day commemorates the first settlement, at New Plymouth, in Taranaki Region in 1841. Originally, the area was called New Plymouth Province but was renamed Taranaki Province in 1859.
I learned something new today about the public holidays in NZ. Regarding the hugging, I’m a very physical touch person and I do like to have contact with people, but living in a society where it’s not really acceptable I have gotten used to only having that touch with my friends. A hallo hug or arm touch while talking.
How are your cafe visits since the fish and chips shop opened up close by? Have a good week.
It hasn't!! All that fuss and the shop is still empty...watch this space! 🤣
It's a Maori thing. It's called Koha. It was a way to help out. Have you been to a Marae and the visitors put down a white envelope that has money in it. This helps with the expenses for running the event, for the rates water, electricity and food. In the old days food was given. A cow, pig, sheep, sack of spuds, kumara, pipi, kina, paua, chopped Wood. Taking something to drink is OK. You may go to a meal and they not have gluten free, at least you've taken something you can eat. It's an opportunity to share pickles, jam or fruit off your tree.
When the Provences formed NZ towns were rather isolated and it took hours and hours to get places, so each celebrated their anniversary seperately. I think America and Aus celebrate their various State holidays too.
We always take Paua fritters and sweet n sour sauce when visiting ... they always get demolished within seconds. On the touching thing, we don't even hold our girlfriends hand down the street like they do in europe, yeah nah we don't like touching much only when we play rugby hahaha
I've always found holidays in the UK a bit strange, we have a bank holiday but when I ask anyone what the holiday is for, no one can tell me. What I do like about regional holidays is that you can pop over the border and everything is open! As much as I feel like I know both of you I'd definitely give the hug a miss, I think it goes back to how rural NZ has been throughout its history, we like our personal space and anything closer than six feet is almost an invasion. You've got Bri and the dog Liz, knock yourself out.🤣
You're right Brian.
Over here in Australia people live and work across the borders of NSW and QLD,
where it matters is with Daylight Savings.
As a Kiwi to me it's a sign of respect.
I am from the far South and we all call it Pot Luck.
Inregards to a collection of the neighbors and friends favorite dishes has made the best feeds I have ever had.
Thank you for watching and for saying hi, Leslie, we appreciate you very much!
Public holidays are the anniversary of the founding of that area provincial council and gaining its autonomy from the national government back when that was very UK focused. Back before instant communication it worked well.
Its only one day per region - every other public holiday is national.
A gift for the host and 'bring a plate' are different things!
You bring a gift to the host (for now, or later) when you visit to eat. It's usually a pack of biscuits or a bottle of wine. It's in appreciation of the host's work. 'Bring a plate' is more when you have family or informal events like Christmas. Everyone brings a dish to help out feed everyone. A salad, a dessert (usually homemade), or if it is a barbecue, some meat or beer to share around.
'Potluck' is when you bring hot food to eat together. Everyone brings hot food (usually homemade) and everyone shares.
'Provincial Holidays' mark the founding of the Province back in the days of Provincial government in the 19th Century. Think of it as the Province's Anniversary day (that's what they are called after all!).
Do not hug! Some people do this, and it is an invasion of privacy. Some New Zealanders are 'huggy' and I have to say 'no, please do not do that'. Do not shake hands unless it's at the end of a business meeting. Just exchange greetings. Smile, maybe give a wave: "Hey, how are you?". That's enough.
It also happens here in Brisbane. Each region has a public holiday on different days during the ekka holidays.
Many hands means light work this includes in the kitchen. When my friends do this it's usually a theme. If its potluck its bring whatever you like..
It's the different regions haha Brian it's not than many.
It's just personal boundaries Liz I easily shake hugging not so much not on first meeting 😂
Regional Anniversary means when every thing is closed locally but you drive to another region and every is open. Cool!
How about being in Dunedin... half of the city takes Otago Anniversary on the actual date (20 March) and the other half (mostly govt deps and the University) take it the Tuesday after Easter - I worked at the University and I was caught out every year with needing to sort childcare for Otago Anniversary Day last minute because the schools take it the actual day and I forgot about it! I agree - it's a bloody nightmare! 😂 Oh, and not wanting to shake someone's hand is a bit weird - I've never come across that except for the height of covid - maybe it is a younger generation thing (but I am a hugger too)... 😕
Depends on the individual, I'm not a touchy feely kind of person
😂 love this one! No, potluck is not just a curry-we do these especially at work. Men who don’t cook can bring bags of crisps or plates and cups, or soft drinks. It’s a way to lower the cost for the host/hostess (when done at someone’s home) everyone has their favorite go-to recipes to bring things that go well) for years I had a scampi pasta dish I would bring, then I got into baking and would make cakes. To work functions I always made cupcakes. I did theatre and we did these for Sunday table reads-I made a loaded quiche and the director always brought a couple of huge boxes Peet’s coffee (like Starbucks but better)
Thank you for sharing! You’ve made me quite hungry now! 😂😘
If it is bring a plate people will tell you. If it is a dinner they are inviting you to, generally it is not bring a plate, you are being invited. If you go round to someone's house you always take something, It is considered rude if you don't, it can be anything ,from a loaf of bread, bottle of milk. There can be slight variations on these rules depending on which part of the country you are in. Also when it is time to leave you do not take anything that you bought with you originally with the exception of dishes or cutlery unless the host asks you to. Generally if there is still food left afterwards the host will say something like , " Would you like to take some of this home?'.
Thank you for sharing this in depth look on the customs and traditions! This is brilliant thank you. 😊Have a great weekend JoJo!
Some holidays are for the whole country - Waitangi Day, Labour weekend, Easter, Xmas and Queens birthday weekend.
King's birthday weekend now.
I find it impossible to get people to bring nothing to a dinner party. They always bring something.
Hi Liz / Brian,
Regional holidays date back to the time when NZ had local regional Government's, they were set up because communication was very slow/difficult/or nearly impossible between the regions. This system was officially done away with in 1875 when with the advent of telegram and the expansion of railways communication became so much easier and reliable. The regional anniversary holiday is a left-over from those early settler days. The individual holiday just stuck whereas the local government system was ceased completely. Re pot luck dinners is just that, bring whatever you want, that way all the guests are going to get a big surprise. Most folk just love it! Hope this explains all.
Thank you so much John! We appreciate you being with us and saying hi, such a brilliant explanation, thank you! 😊
bring a plate also called pot luck LMAO the "theme" is simple get the gang round for a good time and a great night with out having to cater for everyone you know :) just like having a BBQ and you bring meat and beer they do the salad and cleaning up :)
It's Maoei tradition to give a Koha when you are a guest. We also help with the cooking and cleansing.
It's a gathering of coming together not just to eat.
It's one public holiday Brian get over it bro lol
Thanks for the info! 😊
I take a vegetarian dish to share so the host doesn't need to cater for my eccentricities. Local holidays are great for seeing friends, and I'm a fan of hugging but it's just a matter of gauging how frosty some people might be, made more complicated by Covid
Usually I allow the other person to initiate the greeting, handshake, hug, hongi, etc. As a woman I had to get used to not "touching" (handshaking let alone hugging is a big NO) when I was introduced to Muslim men, felt strange at first but got used to it.
Goodness no! As a South African we always do a “bring & braai” or “dop n tjop”(alcohol & chop as in meat) . Basically you all bring your own meat and drinks - but ALWAYS waaay too much of each, just in case and we all share - the meat goes into a “collective pan” and everyone helps themselves. But we will also organize who brings the potato bake, desert (milk tart , malva pudding, peppermint crisp pudding etc) and salad and garlic bread.
We arrive and help last minute prep then relax and catch-up. We would never expect the host to cater for all - also these gatherings will include multiple families so they are not small affairs 😂
There are always stories to tell about "bringing a plate". Many I have seen myself, and often told to me by others of their own experience. Bringing empty plates was quite common, and for others feeling bad, they brought along cutleries, cups as well 🤣
Years ago we invited our new English neighbours to our pot luck dinner where we also invited other friends. They brought dessert - a packet of Tim Tams. To this day, whenever we get together, that hillarious time would be brought up and we always have a laugh about it. I love to try other's cooking and I find pot luck is a lot of fun. More often than not, it tend to be the same hosting dinners so it is a way to contribute, help out as well.
Provincial/Regional Anniversaries originated by your ancestors, the English Settlers. The anniversary was basically the founding days or first colonist arriving in that area.The anniversary was based on local customs and practices. Most regions celebrate their anniversary now with a theme of connecting the Country & Town and you often find Agriculture & Pastoral (A&P) shows during this time.
Thank you Mattie! So lovely to hear from you and thank you for this great comment! 😊
hi guys there are two different types of invites here in NZ one is your invited to someones home for tea where you dont need to bring a plate etc but you might bring a drink (alcohol ) to have with the meal that the host is providing ,and then there is what is called a pot luck tea which everyone or couple brings a plate to share in . PS: pot luck is just a saying , it doesnt refer to a pot of food etc , it just means it will be mystery as to what type of food people will bring to the table to eat
Love it as usual.
Thank you so much Penny! Have a great week 😊
The only time we bring a plate is to a potluck. If we are hosting a dinner, we do NOT expect people to bring food. However, it is in our Kiwi psyche to take a hostess gift so normally it's wine or chocolates or something.
I love listening to you guys. I really identify with Brian as he does his fake reactions to you Liz. I must say that you guys are a major catalyst to me moving back to NZ after 33 years away. I'm coming down for the month of Feb to enjoy my family and mates then returning to the US and spending about a year divesting myself of decades of life spent here.
I love your commentaries....keep it up.
Les
Thank you so very much, Les, what a lovely comment. Enjoy your trip to NZ in Feb and keep us posted! 😊
Tis a Maori tradition that when anyone turns up at your house, then you do your best to feed them. In many cases no matter how financial you are you feed your guests. This is now looked upon as a way of offering a koha to your host to assist in the providing the meal. I as kiwi Love this tradition.
Thank you for sharing, Helen! 😊
Don't they do 'bring a plate' all around the world? You shouldn't make your host supply EVERYTHING, that's rude to come empty handed.
Regional anniversary days, don't they do that around the world, too? The reason is the regions were founded at different times so they celebrate their anniversary on the date they were founded. And freight companies know which regions have their anniversary day so that's not a problem. Having all the anniversaries at the same time would be like you having to have your wedding anniversary the same day as everyone else in your town. That wouldn't go down well right.
I'm a handshaker but that's as far as it goes unless it's a family member or close friend.
In the Uk, it is often just wine or else some flowers or choc but we have never taken food. Thank yo for watching David and for leaving such a great comment! We appreciate you 😊
oh you guys are so funny, pot luck is more when you actually take a course for the meal, like mains, desert or whatever, i like that we take a contribution when we go to someones for dinner, i am just used to the city holidays celebrating themselves, but i see what you mean when someone is in another city.
Thank you Jill! 😊
Maori call it Manaakitanga , reciprocated sharing. Bringing a plate is normal Maori custom. You never go anywhere without sharing something with other host. A koha- donation in other words...I believe Maori culture has become the norm in NZ. 😊