The term “Kiwi” is almost synonymous with New Zealanders, deeply ingrained in the cultural lexicon. You’ll find it adorning brand names from Kiwi Bacon to Kiwi Bank, instantly recognizable as a symbol of Aotearoa. But where did this moniker originate? Was it the unique bird, the tangy fruit, or something else entirely that led to New Zealanders being called Kiwis? Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind this nickname, tracing its roots and uncovering why it stuck.
The kiwi bird, a peculiar and endearing creature native to New Zealand, holds the prestigious position of being the original “Kiwi”. Long before the fruit or the people adopted the name, this extraordinary bird roamed the lands of Aotearoa. It stands as a prime example of New Zealand’s distinctive and often unusual flightless avian species. In many ways, the kiwi bird behaves more like a mammal, foraging for insects in the undergrowth with its long beak and even marking its territory with droppings. Its feather-like plumage even has a fur-like texture, and remarkably, it possesses a keen sense of smell through nostrils located at the tip of its beak. The description “plucky kiwi” aptly describes both the bird and the people; these birds are known for their agility, strong legs, and sharp claws – even capable of defending themselves against predators like possums.
Scientifically classified under the Apteryx genus (Greek for “wingless”), the kiwi shares biological company with other flightless birds such as the emu. The name “kiwi” itself derives from te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand, potentially inspired by the high-pitched call of the male kiwi bird. Several kiwi species exist, including the brown kiwi, great spotted kiwi, and little spotted kiwi. The iconic kiwi, frequently depicted in logos and as a national symbol, is typically the brown kiwi. Sadly, this national icon faces endangerment. With fewer than 70,000 kiwi remaining in New Zealand, the wild population dwindles by approximately 2% annually, primarily due to introduced predators and habitat encroachment. The irony of adopting the name of an endangered species is certainly noteworthy.
The adoption of “Kiwi” as a nickname for New Zealanders is shrouded in some debate. Theories range from the influence of Kiwi shoe polish, launched in 1906 by an Australian with New Zealand roots, to early 20th-century newspaper cartoons depicting New Zealand rugby teams as kiwi birds. However, the most widely accepted origin story traces back to World War I.
It is believed that during the First World War, Australian soldiers began referring to their New Zealand counterparts as “Kiwis.” This nickname was arguably more favorable than other less flattering terms circulating at the time, such as “Pig Islanders.” The “Kiwi” moniker seemed to resonate and gradually gained traction. Decades later, in the 1960s, the Royal New Zealand Air Force officially adopted the kiwi as their emblem, adding another layer of irony given the bird’s flightless nature, but solidifying the kiwi as a national symbol.
The kiwifruit, in contrast, was the last to be associated with the “Kiwi” name. Originally known as the Chinese gooseberry, this fruit underwent a rebranding in the 1960s. Its brown, fuzzy skin and rounded shape bore a resemblance to the kiwi bird, leading to the adoption of the name “kiwifruit.” Since then, it has been marketed and recognized globally as kiwifruit, further intertwining the “Kiwi” identity with New Zealand.
A final point of interest lies in capitalization. While there isn’t a strict rule, common practice dictates using a capital “K” when referring to New Zealanders (Kiwis) and a lowercase “k” when referring to the bird (kiwi). This distinction, though seemingly subtle, aids in clarity. It’s also worth noting that the plural form remains “kiwi” for the bird and “Kiwis” for the people.
In conclusion, the journey of the “Kiwi” nickname is a fascinating blend of natural heritage, historical events, and cultural adoption. Starting with the unique kiwi bird, the name evolved to encompass the people of New Zealand and even a popular fruit. Today, “Kiwi” stands as a proud and widely recognized identifier for New Zealanders worldwide, rooted in the charming and resilient spirit of its namesake bird.
