The Godzone Dictionary

Visitors to New Zealand are frequently surprised – and puzzled – by words and phrases in our language that we take for granted. Not only do we have our own accent, but we also have a rich vocabulary that is distinctive and individual.

‘The Godzone Dictionary’ is a concise A – Z of the words and phrases that make our New Zealand language and speech patterns so different. Language expert Max Cryer examines a wide range of words and phrases, shedding light on their origins and offering helpful definitions. Slang words and expressions feature heavily, while one of the unique features of this book is the large number of Maori words that have become part of our common language in recent years. The listing also includes the popular names of our sports teams (so often confused!) and an appendix of common New Zealand acronyms completes the book.

From Rotovegas to the Naki, both Kiwis (or should that be Pig Islanders?) and visitors to our shores will find the lingo of Godzone explained simply and accurately. Never stuffy or academic, Max Cryer brings his expert knowledge and dry wit to a book that is sure to be a reference for many years to come. ‘Sweet as!’


Max Cryer is a well-known writer, broadcaster and entertainer. In a long career, he has been a schoolteacher, a compere and television host, as well as a performer on the opera stage in London and in cabaret in Las Vegas and Hollywood. Now a full-time writer he has written many books, including ‘Who Said That First?’, ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Preposterous Proverbs’ and ‘Curious English Words and Phrases’.