From mongrels to mullets, a slang guide for visitors to New Zealand

Pity Chinese students confronted with jokers in Jandals, tucker and tinnies, pikers, dorks and drongos.

Education officials have come to their rescue with a glossary of New Zealand slang to help them understand. Included in an Education Ministry guide to life in New Zealand, the glossary features common Maori words and New Zealand slang which students are warned to use with care.

The list includes awesome, BYO, bro, chunder, cuz, grouse, hoon, mongrel, munted, pressie and rellie. Students learn that a mullet is a haircut, ta means thanks and the wop-wops are remote or rural areas.

New Zealanders love sport, especially rugby, and hate people spitting or littering in the streets.

Salary, mortgages and age are off-limits in polite conversation. New Zealanders could also be offended by comments such as "you have put on weight", "she is skinny" or "his hair is very grey".

A ministry spokesman said the guide, which includes advice on visas, money matters, health, safety and recreation, will be translated into Mandarin for distribution in China. Editions in other languages are planned.

It was developed in response to Chinese officials' concerns about students' experiences in New Zealand.

- NZPA