I'm assuming the V gesture you are referring to is the one that consists of holding up both index finger and middle finger, rather than the one with thumb and index finger.
> This origin legend states that English archers believed that those who were captured by the French had their index and middle fingers cut off so that they could no longer operate their longbows, and that the V sign was used by uncaptured and victorious archers in a display of defiance against the French.
I guess that's all the keywords needed in order read the original comment fully.
... It must be somewhat awkward to play Rock Paper Scissors among friends. LOL
"I’ve always used the traditional thumb approach (the norm for NZ)."
I also can't imagine anyone (at least in NZ), who would be otherwise inclined to give you a ride, somehow getting irate about it either.