New Eftpos machines are being rolled out across New Zealand, raising the question of whether Kiwis are meant to tip or not.
The upgraded machines will give customers the option to tip 5, 10 or 15% portion of their bill.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, restaurateur Michael Dearth said tipping culture is changing in Aotearoa.
Dearth, who owns two Auckland restaurants The Grove and Baduzzi, is from the US but has lived in New Zealand for 20 years.
He said he thinks tipping is overdone in the US, but that it's very different here.
Dearth said being a Kiwi by choice and working in the industry, he's noticed that a lot of younger hospitality workers do expect tips, despite it not being customary.
"Young Kiwis, after bringing many dishes and wine that's thoughtfully paired, and talking about the providence of the food and the wine matching, they're disappointed at the end that they didn't get a tip.
"So I'm like oh if it's not part of the culture then why are these young Kiwis disappointed."
He said customers often feel awkward and panic, not knowing whether to tip or not.
At his restaurants, there's a "yes or no" option on the machines for customers, which Dearth says would be silly not to have because people do often want to tip.
"There's times where I'm up at the front and I've taken payment and I can just tell by their energy they don't [want to tip]."
"Sometimes I will just quickly select 'no' [on the machine] and move on."
SHARE ME