Some Kiwi grammar usage

In the US, we might say, "I'll have this and those, but not that." In NZ they always say, "I'll have this one and those ones, but not that one." They will also describe a thing as "my one" rather than "mine."

We are also taught to use the plural verb when speaking about groups differently. In the US we are taught that when we refer to a group of several individuals, we use the plural, but, usually the group as a whole takes a singular verb. Kiwis learn to use a plural verb with any whole made up of several parts.

Examples: US:

A fifth grader is going to the zoo tomorrow.

The fifth grade is going to the zoo tomorrow.

Five fifth graders are going to the zoo tomorrow.

IBM Corporation is reporting record profits.

Examples: NZ:

A fifth grader is going to the zoo tomorrow. (same)

The fifth grade are going to the zoo tomorrow. (plural)

Five fifth graders are going to the zoo tomorrow. (same)

IBM Corporation are reporting record profits. (plural)

When I'm in NZ, I often find myself explaining, "We're not taught to say that," or "We're not taught to do that." In language or superficial manners, there really is no right or wrong -- it's just what we're taught.