Language Support

SIT's range of English Language courses are great for students whose first language isn't English. The English courses are offered through the School of Language (NMABC) and range from beginners to advanced levels. These courses cover the fundamental areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. We also offer advanced papers that will help students conduct themselves fluently in English in social, academic and corporate situations. They have new intakes every Monday (except public holidays).

Click here for more information on the SIT English Language Course

Popular kiwi words

• Kiwi: New Zealanders, also a native bird
• Chilly bin: Cooler/esky
• Wop wop’s: The middle of nowhere/the sticks
• Togs: Swimsuit
• Jandals: Flip flops/thongs
• Buggered/knackered: Really tired
• Jumper: Sweater/pull over
• Bach/crib: Holiday home
• Bro: Brother, friend
• Chur: Thanks
• Hokey-pokey: Ice cream flavour (definitely try this while in New Zealand)
• Stubbie: Bottle of beer
• Stubbies: Shorts (short shorts)
• Tramping: Hiking
• Mate: Friend or enemy (depending on the speakers tone)

Popular Kiwi phrases

• All good: That’s ok, never mind
• Sweet as: Great, good, fine
• Choice as: That’s great, awesome, sure
• Yeah nah: This has a large variety of meanings, the most common one’s being: an acknowledgment that you have spoken, but disagree with what you said; a space filler within a sentence
• Most common use example:
  “Nick thought the show was rubbish, didn’t you Nick?”
  “Yea, nah”
• Bring a plate: Bring a shared dish of food to a party/gathering (if you get asked to ‘bring a plate’ do not just bring an empty plate, you will be judged harshly)
• She’ll be right: It will be fine, everything is ok, don’t worry about it
• No worries: You’re welcome, no problem
• You right?: Are you ok? Is everything ok?

Common Maori phrases you will hear

• Kia ora (key-or-a): Hello
• Haere Mai (high-reh-my) – welcome.
• Haere Ra (high-reh-rah) – goodbye
• Whanau (far-no): Family
• Ka kite ano: See you later (commonly used by news anchors)
• Mana: Respect
• Kai: Food
• Ka pai: Good work

Information reproduced from discover New Zealand

Lessons in the Gore region are delivered through Kip McGrath Online tutoring.There’s no need to travel to a centre — students simply log in from home and connect with a qualified Kip tutor in real time. This service is ideal for busy families or those who do not live near a Kip McGrath centre. Students can see and talk to their tutor using interactive software, and they work with the same high-quality learning materials used in the centres. All that’s required is a computer, webcam, headset, and a reliable internet connection, making it a highly convenient option.

Kip McGrath provides English and maths tuition for both primary and secondary students. Success in learning helps boost a child’s self-esteem and fosters a positive attitude towards education.

Families can book a free online assessment to discover how Kip McGrath Gore can help their child build a brighter future.

Click here for more information on Kip McGrath

The Gore Education Centre offers a friendly and supportive environment where children can experience success in their learning. Led by Centre Director Robyn Irwin, who brings extensive tutoring and teaching experience across various Southland educational settings, the centre is dedicated to matching teaching methods and resources to each student’s learning style. All tutors are qualified and experienced teachers, focused on helping students achieve greater success in the classroom, build confidence, and develop strong learning habits. The centre offers a free assessment to evaluate key areas of schoolwork and create a personalised learning programme, combining educational software and traditional bookwork, with homework to reinforce each session. Tutoring is available for primary and secondary students in mathematics, English, reading, comprehension, and spelling, as well as study skills, essay writing, and preparation for NZ Police and NZ Defence Force entrance tests. Families are encouraged to contact the centre to discuss available options.

Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust provides free literacy and numeracy support for adults and youth across rural New Zealand. Learn at your own pace with caring tutors via phone or online, and unlock new skills in reading, writing, and communication.

Click here to find out more about the Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust

Learn English for life, work, and community with English Language Partners NZ. Free classes in person, online, or at home.

Click here to find out more about English Language Partners