New Zealand English has many words and phrases that newcomers might need help in translating.
| Ankle-biter | Toddler, small child |
| Aotearoa | Māori name for New Zealand |
| Arvo | Afternoon |
| Bach/crib | Holiday home |
| Barbie | Barbecue |
| Bloke | Man |
| Bro/mate | Friend |
| Bugger! | Damn! |
| BYO | Bring your own - a restaurant where you can bring your own wine |
| Cheers | Thanks/goodbye |
| Choice | Good, cool |
| Chook | Chicken |
| Chips | Deep fried potato, thicker than French fries, also packets of crisps |
| Crook | Feel ill, sick |
| Dag | Comedian, colourful personality |
| Dairy | Corner store, convenience store |
| Dodgy | Bad, unreliable |
| Drongo | Idiot |
| Duvet | Quilt, comforter, dooner |
| Flannel | Wash cloth, face cloth |
| Flicks | Movies |
| Flog | Steal, rob |
| G’day/gidday | Hello |
| Good on ya, mate | Congratulations, well done |
| Hard case | Tough but likeable person |
| Hottie | Hot water bottle |
| Hui | Māori word for meeting |
| Jandals | Rubber sandals, flip flops or thongs |
| Jumper | Sweater, jersey |
| Kindy | Kindergarten |
| Kai | Māori word for food |
| Kiwi | A New Zealander |
| Kia ora | Māori greeting |
| Knackered | Exhausted |
| Koha | Māori word for donation |
| Lurgy | Flu |
| Offsider | Assistant |
| Perve | To stare |
| Pot luck | A social gathering where all guests bring food to share |
| Prezzie | Present, gift |
| Rellies | Family or relatives |
| Ropeable | Extremely angry |
| Sammie | Sandwich |
| Skite | To boast, brag |
| Skive off | Leave work early |
| Spud | Potato |
| Squiz | Take a quick look |
| Stirrer | Trouble maker |
| Sweet as | Fine, good |
| Sook | Sentimental or emotional person |
| Takeaways | Fast food taken away and eaten |
| Tights | Pantyhose |
| Togs | Swimsuit, bathing costume |
| Wag | Leave school early, not go to school |
| Wally | A clown, silly person |
| Whinge | Complain |
| Wop-wops | Off the beaten track, out of the way |
