Western cutlery is commonly used, although people may also eat with the fingers of the right hand. Families gather at a table for all regular meals. Foods may be traditional staples , such as taro and pork cooked in an umu, or they may be similar to those eaten in New Zealand , such as bread, potatoes, and oven-roasted meat. It is a common practice for guests to pack up extra portions to eat at home. Niuean greetings are usual at home or in the village, although people who have spent time overseas might also use English.
Men usually shake hands.
Women friends meeting after a long absence kiss each other on the cheek. Niueans might use first names to address one another, but nicknames are more common. Most people have more than one nickname that may be used by different people or on different occasions. Nicknames are most typically the abbreviation of the Niuean and English versions of one s given name. Informal English phrases are also common.