Platform 1

In NZ business culture direct rejection is often avoided – It’s polite deflection over direct refusal and keeps things friendly.

Maybe - I will think about it …

Call me in another year.

Can you send me an email first.

The timing is not right.

As a business owner doing business with other business owners, I hear comments like this regularly.

In NZ “maybe” normally means no whereas in American it signals legitimate interest and “no” definitely means no. Clarity is seen as respectful of time and not rude.

If we treat every “maybe” as genuine interest in NZ, there will be a lot of time spent following ghosts. You need to earn the no by clarifying the intent and seeking explicit next steps.

Is it because we are a small country and value harmony, politeness and leaving doors open?

Would you prefer more clarity and a cleaner rejection?

I’m interested in people’s comments including how you deal with this cultural norm in NZ?