Three things immediately come to mind when you hear the term “kiwi”: a hairy, flightless bird; a brown, fuzzy fruit with a green interior; and a native of New Zealand. However, just two of those pictures were genuinely taken on the Australian island that gave such names.
This article will look into a few theories about why we call New Zealanders “Kiwi” and the origin of the name. Let’s get started!
The Bird’s the Word
The classic kiwi is the national symbol of New Zealand due to its unique appearance. The Mori, the native tribe in New Zealand, gave the turkey-sized bird its name after hearing its distinctive “kee-WEE” nature call, and the bird piqued the interest of European explorers. Through time, it came to represent New Zealand as a whole.
From Bird to Battlefields
During WWI, the term “kiwi” became commonly used to refer to persons from New Zealand. Soldiers from Nz were fond of calling one another “Kiwi” because of the kiwi depicted on their battalion badges.
New Zealand soldiers quickly grew to associate the moniker with the qualities of “heroic and discipline,” and the rest of the country quickly adopted it as their own. Note that while Kiwi the bird is not capitalised, Kiwi the person is.
The Origin of Kiwi Fruit
Despite the fruit’s widespread association with New Zealand, it originates in Asia, thousands of miles away. The sweet green fruit, kiwifruit, was first introduced to New Zealand in 1904 under the name Chinese gooseberry. The fruit’s popularity with American troops stationed in New Zealand during WWI and II led local farmers to start growing and shipping it stateside.
For national pride, New Zealand’s growers nicknamed the fruit “kiwifruit,” and now New Zealand is the world leader in kiwifruit exports. That’s why it’s customary to give names to birds before humans and finally to produce.
Is Kiwi an Insult?
Most New Zealanders enjoy their nickname because of its positive connotations of bravery and patriotism. Historically speaking, only New Zealand WWI pilots didn’t like the moniker, and that was more because the bird couldn’t fly than anything else. (Flying is more comfortable for the pilot’s bird.)
How Do Australians Associate With the Term “Kiwi”
While New Zealanders don’t mind being called “kiwis,” Aussies don’t like the connotation. Only in New Zealand can you find Kiwi birds and Kiwis; if one thing gets under a Kiwi’s skin, it’s being mistaken for their Australian neighbours. Australians are often mistaken for New Zealanders, so it’s best to stick to “Aussie” or “Ozzie” and leave the “Kiwi” allusions in N.Z.
Most Popular Kiwis in History
New Zealand is a small island, yet it has a significant impact. A few New Zealanders have made history and received accolades from everywhere. Here is a list of some of the greatest New Zealanders and their achievements:
- Steven Adams – First New Zealander ever selected in the 1st round of an NBA draft
- Valerie Adams – Shot putter with Olympic and world championship records.
- Sir Edmund Hillary – was the first man to successfully reach the top of Mount Everest, 29,035 feet, in 1953.
- Sir Peter Jackson – is a renowned film director best known for directing the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- Lorde – songwriter and vocalist who has won a Grammy.
- Lucy Lawless – actress who portrayed the title role in Xena in the film Warrior Princess.
- Sophie Pascoe – Most decorated Paralympic swimmer from New Zealand
- Sir Ernest Rutherford – scientist often called the “father of nuclear physics.”
- Dame Kiri Te Kanawa – One of the most celebrated opera singers. She performed at the Royal wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
- Taika Waititi – film pioneer and director of Maori ancestry, wins Academy Award for the screenplay.
You’ve probably heard of these illustrious New Zealanders: Russell Crowe, born in New Zealand but raised in Australia, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who experienced much of his boyhood in Nz.
FAQ
Can I call a New Zealander a Kiwi?
It is perfectly fine to call a person from New Zealand a “Kiwi.” While this moniker would be considered derogatory in other nations, it is regarded greatly in New Zealand.
Why are New Zealanders called Kiwis?
The Kiwi is a native bird of New Zealand that has become a national symbol. In the late 1880s, the kiwi bird insignia appeared on the badges of troops; nowadays, it is often used as a moniker for those from New Zealand.