Gender equality is the norm in everyday life, so travelers should address and interact with people in the same straightforward, informal way regardless of gender, and avoid making assumptions about roles or who should lead, pay, or speak first. New Zealand is generally socially progressive, with strong acceptance of women in leadership and broad visibility of
LGBTQ+ people, though
Māori and Pacific communities may have their own family and community expectations that are best approached with the same respect and openness.