"Kiwi" (/ˈkiːwi/ KEE-wee) is a common self-reference used by New Zealanders, though it is also used internationally. Unlike many demographic labels, its usage is not considered offensive; rather, it is generally viewed as a symbol of pride and affection for most people of New Zealand.
Is it ok to call a New Zealander a Kiwi? It absolutely is ok to call a New Zealander a Kiwi. Though in some countries a nickname like this would be considered offensive, it is anything but in New Zealand. So go ahead and call us Kiwis!
So can you use Kiwi to describe people from Australia as well? Nope. Kiwi birds and Kiwis themselves only live in New Zealand, and if there's one thing that annoys New Zealanders, it's confusing them with their Australian neighbors.
The word kiwi first referred to the bird, and it comes from Maori.
What's in a name? Quite a bit when it comes to tracing the origin of the nickname 'Kiwis' for New Zealanders. People from further afield could be forgiven for thinking New Zealanders were named after a small fuzzy Chinese gooseberry which was renamed as Kiwi in 1959.
Aussies: This one's a classic and is used to describe Australians worldwide. Ozzies: A variation of Aussies; this one is more commonly used by Americans. Roo: Short for kangaroo, this term is used affectionately to refer to Australians.
Learn more about the kiwi, the national icon of New Zealand and unofficial national emblem.
The Māori used the term Māori to describe themselves in a pan-tribal sense. Māori people often use the term tangata whenua (literally, "people of the land") to identify in a way that expresses their relationship with a particular area of land; a tribe may be the tangata whenua in one area, but not in another.
As the name suggests, kiwifruit has its roots in China. Its original name in Chinese, mihoutao — or “macaque fruit” — was a reference to monkeys loving the sweet fruit. From there stemmed several other colloquial names for the Chinese gooseberry: monkey peach, macaque pear, vine pear, sun peach and wood berry.
'Chur' means 'yes' and is usually followed by the word 'bro' meaning 'brother'. For example: Person A asks “Can I please borrow your ball” and person B replies, “Chur bro”. Togs: Important if you are visiting NZ during the summer.
Although the term "bogan" is understood across Australia and New Zealand, certain regions have their own slang terms for the same group of people. These terms include: "Bevan" or "Bev" in Queensland. "Booner" in Canberra.
In the early 1900s, cartoonists started to use images of the kiwi bird to represent New Zealand as a country. During the First World War, New Zealand soldiers were referred to as 'kiwis', and the nickname stuck. Eventually, the term Kiwi was attributed to all New Zealanders, who proudly embraced the moniker.
While Australians have a reputation of being friendly, New Zealand "does it even better", the report says. New Zealand was named one of the easiest places in the world to settle in, coming in fifth place, while Australia ranked 20th.
Manukura is a white kiwi bird - the only known white kiwi in the world!
The 'Hongi' is a traditional Maori greeting in New Zealand used by the Maori people. To hongi you press your nose and forehead together with the nose and forehead of the person you are greeting.
Aotearoa is the current Maori-language name for New Zealand.
Pommy or pom
The terms pommy, pommie, and pom used in Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand usually denote a British person.
Actinidia arguta, the hardy kiwi, is a perennial vine native to Japan, Korea, Northern China, and the Russian Far East. It produces a small kiwifruit without the hair-like fiber covering the outside, unlike most other species of the genus.
The Māori are the Indigenous People of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Although New Zealand has adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the rights of the Maori population remain unfulfilled.
Today, the population of New Zealand(opens in new window) is made up of people from a range of backgrounds; 70% are of European descent, 16.5% are indigenous Māori, 15.1% Asian and 8.1% non-Māori Pacific Islanders.
The contemporary te reo Māori word for transgender people is 'irawhiti'. This can be used by transgender women, transgender men, and those with non-binary genders. 'Ira kore' is the term used by those who don't identify with any gender.
Friendly and Welcoming People
Kiwis are generally friendly people, with a laidback and positive attitude towards life. Compared to European countries, New Zealand is still a young country. Even Māori, the country's native inhabitants, have only been living on the island for about 800 years.
There are currently 670,000 New Zealanders in Australia on special category visas, including about 380,000 who arrived after 2001 who are eligible for citizenship.
In addition to its endless natural attractions, New Zealand is also known for its rich culture, friendly locals, and excellent food and wine. From its abundant sheep population to its famed hiking trails and wine varietals, discover what New Zealand is known for and start planning your next trip.