Do you know Why Are New Zealanders Called Kiwis? New Zealand is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, friendly people, and unique wildlife. One of the most recognizable symbols of New Zealand is the kiwi bird, which has become an important national icon. However, did you know that New Zealanders are also commonly referred to as “Kiwis”? In this article, we will explore the origins of this nickname and why it has become such a popular term to describe the people of New Zealand.
The kiwi bird is a small, flightless bird that is native to New Zealand. It is a highly distinctive bird, with a long beak, brown fur-like feathers, and small wings. The kiwi is also nocturnal and has a highly developed sense of smell, which it uses to find food on the forest floor. Because the kiwi is such a unique and beloved bird in New Zealand, it’s not surprising that it has become a symbol of the country and its people.
So, how did New Zealanders come to be known as “Kiwis”? The origins of the nickname are not entirely clear, but there are a few theories that are widely accepted.
One theory is that the name “Kiwis” was first used by Australian soldiers during World War I. New Zealand and Australia fought together in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey, and it’s believed that Australian soldiers started calling their New Zealand counterparts “Kiwis” as a term of endearment. The nickname caught on and became widely used throughout the war, and after the war ended, it continued to be used as a way of referring to New Zealanders.
Another theory is that the nickname “Kiwis” was first used by British soldiers during the Boer War. New Zealand sent troops to fight in South Africa alongside British soldiers, and it’s believed that the British soldiers started calling their New Zealand counterparts “Kiwis” because of the similarity between the kiwi bird’s beak and the shape of the New Zealand soldiers’ badges.
Regardless of the true origin of the nickname, “Kiwis” quickly became a popular term to describe New Zealanders, and it’s a term that is still widely used today. In fact, many New Zealanders embrace the nickname and see it as a point of pride.
So, why do New Zealanders love being called “Kiwis”? There are a few reasons. First, the kiwi bird is a beloved symbol of New Zealand, and being called a “Kiwi” is a way of celebrating that connection. Second, the nickname has a sense of warmth and familiarity to it, and it’s often used by friends and family members as a term of endearment. Finally, the nickname has a sense of identity to it, and it’s a way of distinguishing New Zealanders from people of other nationalities.
While “Kiwis” is the most common nickname for New Zealanders, it’s not the only one. Other nicknames that are sometimes used include “Antipodeans” (a term used to describe people from Australia and New Zealand), “Kiwifruit” (a play on the kiwi fruit that is also native to New Zealand), and “Sheep Shaggers” (a derogatory term that is thankfully not commonly used!).
In conclusion, the nickname “Kiwis” has become an important part of New Zealand’s national identity, and it’s a term that is widely used and embraced by New Zealanders. While the origins of the nickname are not entirely clear, it’s believed to have been first used by soldiers during World War I or the Boer War. Regardless of how it came about, the nickname has a sense of warmth, familiarity, and identity to it, and it’s a way of celebrating New Zealand’s unique culture and identity. The kiwi bird is a beloved symbol of New Zealand, and being called a “Kiwi” is a way of showing pride in the country and its heritage.
Additionally, the use of the nickname “Kiwis” has spread beyond New Zealand and is now widely recognized around the world. It has become a shorthand way of referring to New Zealanders and is used in everything from sports team names to international news headlines.
In recent years, the New Zealand government has also embraced the “Kiwi” nickname as a way of promoting the country as a tourist destination. The country’s tourism board, Tourism New Zealand, has used the kiwi bird and the “Kiwi” nickname in marketing campaigns and advertisements to highlight the country’s unique culture and natural beauty.
Despite the nickname’s popularity, some New Zealanders have mixed feelings about being called “Kiwis”. Some see it as a playful and endearing term, while others feel that it reinforces stereotypes about New Zealanders being laid-back and easy-going. Additionally, some Māori (the indigenous people of New Zealand) feel that the use of the term “Kiwi” erases their culture and identity, as the bird is not traditionally significant to Māori culture.
In response to these concerns, there have been efforts to create alternative nicknames that are more inclusive and reflective of New Zealand’s diverse population. Some suggestions include “Aotearoans” (a reference to the Māori name for New Zealand, Aotearoa) and “Kiwiana” (a term that refers to the unique cultural artifacts and icons of New Zealand).
In conclusion, the nickname “Kiwis” has become an important part of New Zealand’s national identity, and it’s a term that is widely used and embraced by New Zealanders. While its origins are not entirely clear, it’s believed to have been first used by soldiers during World War I or the Boer War. The use of the term has spread beyond New Zealand and is now recognized around the world. While some New Zealanders have mixed feelings about the nickname, it remains a beloved symbol of the country and its people. Whether you’re a Kiwi or not, there’s no denying that New Zealand and its unique culture are something special.
