The Kiwi English Down Under's Podcast

 As the days are slowly getting longer, but the cold is settled in, it's time to take a mini break and get those last winter jobs done and out of the way before spring arrives. With this in mind, I'll be taking the month of August off and be back with the spring/in September with more episodes on Kiwi life and language for you to enjoy. In the meantime, keep those requests coming and I'll add them to the list

Here's the final part inspired by heading south and some tips on what you can expect when taking that long trip from Christchurch to Invercargill. Where to stop, what to look out for and driving habits of locals. So, buckle-in and let's go!  Whitestone Cheese Factory Shop Oamaru:  https://www.whitestonecheese.com/ For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

One of its claims to fame is that you can find the southern most Starbucks there… what else can you expect to find when visiting? In today's episode we'll talk about a quick trip and initial impressions made of the people and place and how cold it really was

 We're off on another road-trip! In todays episode we'll consider how to prepare for a drive down south to Invercargill and what to expect along the way. So, grab something warm and let's get started!  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To b ecome a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

 Is the hospitality trade considered a “real” profession in NZ? And how about waiting tables specifically? In todays episode we'll explore the two sides of this industry that we often take for granted –no matter how many coffee-machines most households have, we still need our fix of café time

 What's the basic expectation when dining with Kiwis? How big a role does cutlery play? In today's episode we'll cover some of the basics and how we approach take-aways verse dining at home or out at a restaurant – and whether eating at a café is more or less casual? So, grab your drink of choice, maybe a snack as well, and let's get started

 Lake Hood is man-made and an easy day-trip from Christchurch. So, just imagine it's a sunny winters day and you've got time – why not grab your coat and walking shoes and let's go check it out together

So, how does our health system work and who pays when you go to hospital? In today's episode we'll explore the basics.  Happy listening and remember to eat that apple because… “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”

 Established in 1872 by 20 prominent businessmen – according to their website

 In our previous episode we talked about cars and what they say about their drivers. Today we're talking street fashion – not sure if we should talk about what they say about the wearer, asides from fashion being a different word to style for a reason

 As a natural flow-on from the previous episode – no pun intended

So, part of the joys of vehicular transportation is traffic… what's it like here in Christchurch and how do we feel about the ways our roads are evolving? In today's episode we'll cover some of the hot topics and what you can expect when you finally arrive jet-lagged and climb behind the wheel – hold on, it could be a little bumpy

 Matariki is the Maori New Year. Otherwise known as the Pleiades Star Cluster, this year its formation will be celebrated on Friday the 2nd July 2021. What's it all about in the kiwi context and how do we feel about it? Let's explore together

 So, much like with most things in Kiwi, there are many ways of expressing a lack of understanding. In today's episode we'll explore some of the more common ways we have of saying it which will probably leave you even more confused than when you began – let's go and see where we end up

 Over the past number of years, much to our surprise, the kiwi accent has grown in popularity – some even call it sexy… wow, now I've heard it all! In today's episode we'll discuss how we kiwis, in general, feel about the kiwi accent and its new-found popularity.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

What's the difference between kiwi English and American English? And do we even go there with British English? In today's episode we're going to explore kiwi pronunciation and how it differs from Mother England and English in the USA. The key here is to not take things too seriously and remember that, as individuals, we all have our own special ways of mangling what is commonly known as “the Queens English” – even for us native speakers it can sound foreign! Happy listening

So, just how on-time is the average kiwi and how much do we care? Is it in fact better to be early rather than late? In today's episode we'll explore the import of good time-keeping and the average kiwi's approach to the way they handle it.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

 We've said hello… so how do we say goodbye? In today's episode we'll go over some of the more popular words Kiwis have adopted to say just that

The world is getting fatter – does that include Kiwis? In today's episode we're going to explore the expanding waist-lines of the average Kiwi and perhaps some of the reasons why this is happening and since when.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

As a follow-on from the last episode, today we're exploring various casual ways of saying thank you and how you can put them into context – enjoy and cheers for joining in

 In today's episode we're going to explore the many applications of the affirmative word “cheers” so that next time you come into contact with a Kiwi you might just be able to keep up!  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

 For you regular listeners out there, it'll be no surprise that housing is a hot topic down here in Aotearoa/The Land of the Long White Cloud. When leading up to elections both local and national politicians discover they have a social conscience and make promises of providing housing for the working poor. The reality, of course, is very different! In today's episode we'll outline the two main forms social housing takes in New Zealand and what it's really like for many who are forced to live there due to low income and the high cost of living.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

Known as The Garden City, Christchurch has had more than its fair share of hardships starting with the earthquakes in 2010 then the mosque shootings and now COVID-19 and its implications. In today's episode we're going to explore how the average Cantabrian is coping with so many challenges and how this is manifesting in everyday behaviour.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

Chatting in the work place… just what do Kiwis like to talk about with their work mates? In today's episode we'll “have a yarn” about it and see what we can come up with. So, grab a hot drink, look busy, and let's settle down for a good gossip

 Does anyone have a “regular” mobile phone these days and what do we prefer? In today's episode we'll explore how we Kiwis have embraced smart phones and how this has changed the way we live.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

Well, pop down to the dairy and get some! In today's episode we're going to explore convenience stores where we'll drop in to pick up a bottle of milk, loaf of bread and maybe a newspaper.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

 Who doesn't love dairy, right? In today's episode we're going to explore some of the most popular flavours of yoghurt you can find in the supermarket and what the general perception of this product is both at home and out.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

Yip, Aha, Yeah, Right and Ah… Let's get to know some more ways we Kiwis like to butcher the English language in the affirmative and make it our own! In today's episode we'll explore what these words mean and some of the ways we  like to use them.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

See-ya – catch-ya – what-ya… Today we're gonna talk all about “ya” and how we Kiwis like to chop up our words and “you” is no exception!  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

Australia New Zealand Army Corps – a coming-of-age originating from the First World War. Today we'll talk about what this means on a cultural level and why we, as a nation, continue to observe it.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

 What is a Sweet Tooth and what does it mean for the average Kiwi? Today we'll explore the eating and dental habits that are typical in the Land Down Under that help make us what we are – sweet – of course

 Even if it's a cup of coffee or soft-drink or can of fizz, tea breaks are all-important at the work-place whether that be in an office or on a building site. Culturally speaking, it's also an important social past-time for having friends and family “round to yours” without having to feed them dinner

It's hunting time… and that means time for the Swan Dry's and Bush Shirts to come out and to go bush with your mates. The Roar refers to the mating call of deer as they seek mates of their own; another term is Rutting Season which is what male deer, stag do to fight off competitors and claim the female deer, Hine, to themselves. What this means for hunters is it's time to get that trophy set of antlers and some quality time in the bush with mates of a completely different kind

Religious or not we all enjoy Easter Weekend because it's an extra day off! Yes, predictable, but we ain't fighting it

Love it or hate it, NZ has had Daylight Savings for as long as I can remember. And about for the same stretch of time there have been people who refuse to believe in it. So, why does it exist and how do Kiwis handle the changing of time?  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

Come along with us as we take a cruisy road trip down from Christchurch to Queenstown – it'll take about 6 hours and you'd better bring an appetite! Queenstown has long been a southern playground for both Kiwis and tourists alike and we locals are making the most of our own Back Yard and seeing what our country has to offer through fresh eyes. Here are some links to my particular favourite stops along the way:  The Somerset Grocer Ashburton:   https://www.somersetgrocer.co.nz/ The Geraldine Cheese Co.:  https://southcanterbury.org.nz/business-listing/talbot-forest-cheese/ Mount Cook Alpine Salmon:  https://alpinesalmon.co.nz/ The Crown:   https://www.thecrownpub.nz/ For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

 It's cold… will someone put another log on the fire? As regular listeners know, while our winters aren't harsh according to European standards, they can be miserable here in The Land of the Long White Cloud. Today we'll talk about one of the more popular forms of heating, wood fires, and what's involved if you want to get one for yourself.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

Gardening is good, especially for those who understand that it's a job that will never be done – it's all a matter of perspective! In today's episode we'll talk about what to expect when visiting your local gardening centre and indeed why people, even those who “don't garden” go there.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

 OK, straight off – we Kiwis are sun lovers, regular listeners know this already! So, when we say goodbye summer, there is a true note of sadness there, mixed in with a little disappointment. In today's episode we'll talk about what it means on a cultural level heading in to the winter months in Aotearoa/The Land of the Long White Cloud – think the name says it all

Pardon the pun, I couldn't help it! Smoking, as you might gather from the title of this episode, is no longer considered hot in NZ. Today we'll talk about what it was like growing up, who smokes now and what the future of smoking in the land down under might look like.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

 As a natural follow-on from the previous episode, we're continuing on the walking theme and are visiting a working forest where we can take our dogs, bikes and even horses out for a good amount of exercise. The fantastic thing is that you wouldn't even know it was there if you didn't know to look for it! So, put on your walking shoes and let's go

As far as cities go, we here in Christchurch are lucky. We have beaches, nature reserves and much more all within a half hour drive. The thing that New Brighton boasts is an enormous pier – really – it's big

 So, how's it working for us? Great – we get to work full time and do the cooking – hear the sarcasm anyone

Ok, if you've been following this podcast for a while you'll already know of the rivalry between Australia and New Zealand. If you don't… not a problem – we'll give you a reminder! We're also going to give some linguistic tips on how to tell the difference between and Aussie or Kiwi so that you don't make the terrible mistake of calling a Kiwi and Aussie!  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

Ok, so let's face it… Christchurch has had a tough time of it since major earthquakes started the shake-up 10 years ago. How's it looking now? In today's episode we'll explore how things feel and what our new normal is living here in our broken city that has brought so many challenges.  For any topic requests and feedback: kiwienglishdownunder@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/the kiwienglishdownunder'spodcast

 So, as regular listeners already know, Waitangi Day is our national day of celebration commemorated on the 6th February, acknowledging our founding document – The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in Waitangi between the crown (UK) and a number of Maori chiefs. How is it celebrated and what does it mean to the average Kiwi? Today we'll explore together what Waitangi Weekend looks like, in Canterbury at least

As part of the world-wide trend to find healthier ways of living, Kiwis are very much on-board and one of the ways we are prepared to spend a little more money is on personal grooming products like soap and deodorant. In today's episode we'll explore what we look for and what indeed will spend a little more on if it's “natural”

Now, we're not talking pet-names here, but rather the stuff we Kiwis love to spread on our toast and other places! Tune in to today's episode to learn what the bog-standard honey we consume and to learn some of it's more specialized uses

 This year, on Sunday 14th February 2021, the Year of the Golden Ox is being celebrated in Cathedral Square in the heart of Christchurch city. Chinese people and culture have been part of New Zealand's story right from the beginning, but it's not until recent years that everyone has started to join in and enjoy some of what is on offer. Today we'll talk about how this looks and what it's done for race-relations in our city. Here's a handy link to find out more about the parade

What do we Kiwi's say when we feel mentally challenged? Today we're going to explore some of the more popular phrases such s “you're doing my head in” and what is meant by it. Enjoy the ride and let's see if we can “scramble your brains” in the process! PS: The one I should have included today because I was experiencing it myself: Brain Fog…which means operating in a haze