As an online tutor for the past 6 years, my New Zealand accent has often confused Japanese students.

But rest easy – there are only a few specific sounds which cause problems

Long ‘A’ in ‘Name’, ‘Day’, etc

I say “name”, you hear “nime”. As in , “what’s your name?”

I say “day”, you hear “die”. As in, “how has you day been?”

Short ‘E’, as in ‘Ten’,’Send’, etc

I say “ten”, you hear “tin”. As “that will be ten dollars, thanks”.

NZ v. Aussie English

While the New Zealand accent is very close to the Aussie accent, we can tell the difference. Here’s some simple clues to help you tell the difference.

Short ‘i’ as in ‘Six’

A New Zealanders says “six” , an Aussie hears “sux”.
An Aussie says “six”, a New Zealander hears “seeks”.

Long ‘a’ as in ‘dance’

Australian “dance” rhymes with “ants”.
New Zealand “dance” rhymes with “aunts”.