Advice On Tipping Given By S.I.P.A.

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31237, 8 December 1966, Page 7

Advice On Tipping Given By S.I.P.A.

What little tipping there is in New Zealand is light tipping with nothing as a rule for normal services and only moderate tips for special attention, according to the South Island Publicity Association.

To provide visitors with guidance, the association has prepared a brochure on tipping in New Zealand which will be widely distributed to airlines and shipping services. It provides the following advice: “New Zealanders as a rule do not tip, nor do they expect to be tipped. They receive a fair wage for the jobs they do and they don’t rely on tips to earn a living. In some countries a 10 per cent service charge is added to the bill but this system does not operate here. Air New Zealand and our domestic airlines do not permit their staff to accept tips. “The South Island Publicity Association is aware of the problems which confront the visitor. The association is not

in favour of tipping and encourages a high standard of service for all travellers founded on mutual respect. You will find New Zealanders friendly people. If they do something for you it is because they want to help and not because they are looking for a hand-out.” They do not expect tips for normal service —it’s not the custom. “However, many New Zealanders do tip lightly in some circumstances: to a wine steward serving at table for example, a 2s tip; perhaps Is a round to a lounge steward if he is attentive; a taxi-driver will not expect a tip unless he carries bags right into the hotel; the porter who takes luggage to a guest’s room will probably get a couple of shillings; if a hotel waitress has given pleasant service she may receive a 3s to 5s tip depending on the visitor’s length of stay. It is not the custom to tip for casual meals in restaurants and coffee bars; on the inter-island steamerexpress, luggage stewards are usually tipped a shilling or so; passengers on coach tours sometimes show their appreciation to the driver by making a group gesture at the end of the trip.”