New Zealand English is one of the world's youngest varieties of English. We discuss its origins and development, looking at theories of new dialect formation and the development of postcolonial Englishes in general, and get to know the defining characteristics of NZE at the levels of pronunciation, lexis, and grammar. Comparisons are made between NZE, its closest relative Australian English, and the parent variety, British English. Assessment is based on class participation, a presentation, and a final essay.