[druncan]

What's the deal with tipping in NZ? Should we, shouldn't we? Do we, don't we?

To me, it doesn't seem to fit in with our culture. It also doesn't seem to have caught on so there's a weird yes-no thing. It's also kinda stink with coins so you've gotta tip $5 or give them a coin.

I like the tipping jars. I like them because they're anonymous and it benefits the whole staff. I knew somewhere that gave the whole jar to people when they left as a gift. I thought that was cool.

Maybe people would tip more if there was a consensus on it. Whadyareckon?

[flyboytrav]

We should be tipping. Even if its not part of our culture here in New Zealand. Whats the incentive to provide good service? You can provide shit service and still make the same wage.

[TerryNeo]

No one expects tipping in NZ. Maybe thats why service can sometimes be lacking, but it's the kiwi way. Who would want to walk into a bar and have desperate waitresses fighting over your custom... (actually, maybe its a good idea).  Bars and pubs charge enough to pass on a reasonable wage to their employees. If they dropped their prices (and hence, wages) it may encourage it.
I think there is a certain dignity in not having to put on a plastic smile to earn your wage. Kiwis like genuine things.

[flyboytrav]

Good argument in regards to kiwi's perhaps wanting a person who genuinely wants to provide quality service serving them, but how do you distinguish between genuine and false? Shouldn't that person also be rewarded? Wouldn't you like to have that assurance when you go out to dinner that the waiter/ waitress is going to be working as hard as she can to ensure your night is fantastic, so that she gets a quality tip.

[TerryNeo]

Oo, this is getting philosophical.
Are you saying waitresses need to get paid more? Or that they need the promise of a tip to help them get out of bed in the morning? Or, indeed, service is bad around NZ because people get paid no matter what. Does NZ have bad service, in general? Do they need an incentive to do a good job?
I don't see why a social custom imported from America singling out one group of workers from one sector needs to be adopted. We do have a reasonable minimum wage in NZ but in the USA - to my understanding - their minimum wage is like $5.50. People need the tips to survive.
It is also an economical thing concerning scarcity. It doesn't take much to be a good waitress: a smile, some strong arms, long hours - like most jobs. But without the $30,000 education and the three years at Uni just to get your foot in the door. The average wage in NZ is under $25,000, I'd imagine that's the ball park waitresses get, much like everyone else.
I guess it is a good-will thing. A nice gesture to help with the jovial atmosphere... I wish my boss would start tipping. The thing is tho' (as I intimated in my last rant), do customers need to pay more?

[flyboytrav]

Would you consider the standard of service in NZ as good?

Tipping is not only unique to the US, Sydney bartenders make a bucket in tips as well. I believe tipping is not something that should be viewed as reward, nor should it be expected, but my concern is that NZers find the whole concept so foreign. The rest of the world is doing it, why aren't we?

[Nikolai]

tip if your service person has ADDED VALUE to your experience ie they are genuine, helpful and informative.  It's all about creating a relationship - both sides win, you feel good as a customer and go back (get looked after as a regular, bonus!) and the waiter/bartender who we hope is a hospo professional or at least loves food wine and people even if it's not a job forever, gets a buzz out of a great reciprocal relationship (ahhhh the ideal world I dream of!

[wakeless]

I love the idea of when you are working hard at the bar and doing a good job getting the little nod from someone else to tell you you are doing a good job. People should be more willing to tip here in NZ, but I don't think it should be compulsory.

A little bit of education to drinkers and diners could go a long way.