Why Are New Zealanders Called Kiwis The History Explained

The term “Kiwi” is now synonymous with New Zealand and its people. Travelers proudly wear “Kiwis” on their backpacks, sports teams chant it in unison, and locals embrace it as a badge of honor. But how did a flightless bird become the national nickname for an entire population? The story spans over a century of military service, national pride, evolving symbolism, and cultural identity.

The journey of the word “kiwi” from a native bird species to a widely accepted demonym is both unique and deeply rooted in New Zealand’s history. Unlike most countries that use geographic or linguistic terms (like \"Americans\" or \"Canadians\"), New Zealanders adopted a biological emblem as their collective identity—a rare phenomenon in global culture.

The Origins of the Kiwi Bird as a National Symbol

The kiwi, a small, nocturnal, flightless bird endemic to New Zealand, has long been recognized for its uniqueness. With no tail, weak wings, and hair-like feathers, it stands apart from other birds. More importantly, it exists nowhere else on Earth naturally, making it a powerful symbol of New Zealand’s isolated ecosystem.

By the late 19th century, conservationists and naturalists began highlighting the kiwi as a national treasure. Its vulnerability—due to introduced predators like stoats and rats—spurred early environmental awareness. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the kiwi transitioned from ecological curiosity to national icon.

“The kiwi is more than a bird; it’s a mirror of our values—resilient, grounded, quietly determined.” — Dr. Helen Upton, Historian at Victoria University of Wellington

Military Roots: How Soldiers Became Known as 'Kiwis'

The transformation of “kiwi” into a human identifier began during the First World War. New Zealand troops served alongside Australians in the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) forces. As soldiers sought ways to distinguish themselves, symbols became crucial.

New Zealand regiments began using the kiwi bird on badges, insignia, and morale patches. British civilians, encountering these troops, started referring to them affectionately as “Kiwis.” The nickname stuck—not just among allies but also within the ranks. Letters home from soldiers often signed off as “Your Kiwi son” or “From your Kiwi lad,” reinforcing the emotional connection.

By the Second World War, “Kiwi” was firmly embedded in military vernacular. American GIs stationed in New Zealand during the Pacific campaign used the term freely, further popularizing it internationally. Mail sent to soldiers was addressed simply to “Kiwi, New Zealand,” and it still reached its destination.

Tip: Understanding wartime nicknames helps explain many modern national identities—context matters more than literal meaning.

From Soldiers to Citizens: Civilian Adoption of the Term

After the wars, returning soldiers brought the nickname home. What began as a battlefield moniker gradually entered everyday language. By the 1950s and 60s, “Kiwi” was commonly used in newspapers, radio broadcasts, and official communications to refer to New Zealanders.

The government embraced the term too. State-run initiatives like “Kiwibank” (launched in 2002), “KiwiSaver” (a national retirement savings scheme), and “Project Kiwi” (conservation programs) institutionalized the word in civic life. Even New Zealand’s space industry startup was named “Rocket Lab,” but its test flights were nicknamed “It’s a Kiwi thing” by engineers.

Culturally, the term evolved beyond mere identification. Being a “Kiwi” came to imply certain traits: humility, practicality, egalitarianism, and a dry sense of humor. It reflected a national self-image—one less about grandeur and more about quiet resilience.

Kiwi Identity in Sports and Global Culture

No discussion of the Kiwi identity is complete without mentioning sport. New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, are often referred to collectively as “Kiwis,” especially when playing abroad. The women’s rugby team, netball’s Silver Ferns, and even the national cricket team are sometimes labeled under the broader “Kiwi” umbrella in international media.

In aviation, the nickname crossed oceans. Air New Zealand’s branding features the kiwi prominently, and their safety videos often include playful nods to Kiwi culture—like a flight attendant doing a haka or a sheep giving travel advice. These efforts reinforce national pride while making the term accessible globally.

A Timeline of the Kiwi Nickname Evolution

The adoption of “Kiwi” didn’t happen overnight. It unfolded through key historical moments:

1. 1880s–1890s: Naturalists begin promoting the kiwi bird as a unique national symbol.
2. 1907: New Zealand becomes a Dominion; national identity grows stronger.
3. 1915: ANZAC troops land at Gallipoli; NZ soldiers start being called “Kiwis” by British press.
4. 1919: Returned soldiers adopt the term proudly; appears in war memoirs.
5. 1940s: WWII cements “Kiwi” in Allied military slang; US forces use it widely.
6. 1950s–60s: Media and advertising adopt “Kiwi” for consumer products and public campaigns.
7. 1980s–present: “Kiwi” becomes standard in global English to refer to New Zealand citizens.

Common Misconceptions About the Term 'Kiwi'

Despite its widespread acceptance today, several myths persist:

• Misconception: Māori people traditionally called themselves “Kiwis.”
  Reality: The word “kiwi” comes from the Māori language, referring only to the bird. It was not used ethnically before European contact.
• Misconception: Calling a New Zealander a “Kiwi” is offensive.
  Reality: For most, it’s a point of pride. However, some Māori argue that replacing indigenous identity with a colonial-era nickname can be problematic if overused.
• Misconception: Only tourists say “Kiwi.”
  Reality: Locals use it constantly—in conversation, media, and business names.

Term	Meaning	Appropriateness
Kiwi	Casual, affectionate term for a New Zealander	Widely accepted and used domestically
New Zealander	Formal, correct demonym	Preferred in official or diplomatic contexts
Zedlander	Slang, mostly used by Australians	Often teasing; use cautiously
Aotearoan	Derived from Māori name for NZ: Aotearoa	Growing in academic/cultural circles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to call someone from New Zealand a Kiwi?

Yes, in nearly all casual and international contexts, it is perfectly acceptable and often appreciated. Most New Zealanders embrace the term with pride, especially when used respectfully.

Why don’t Australians call themselves ‘Emus’ or ‘Kangaroos’?

While Australians do use animal symbols (e.g., “The Kangaroos” for the national rugby league team), there wasn’t the same wartime origin or grassroots civilian adoption. The Kiwi’s path was shaped by specific historical circumstances unique to New Zealand.

Do Māori people identify as Kiwis?

Many do, but some prefer “Māori” or “Aotearoan” to emphasize their distinct cultural and ancestral identity. Sensitivity to context and self-identification is important.

Real Example: A Tourist's Cultural Awakening

Sophie, a traveler from Germany, visited Auckland in 2022. At a café, she asked, “Are you a local Kiwi?” The barista smiled and replied, “Yep, born and bred.” Later, Sophie noticed a sign in a museum: “Kiwis protect their environment.” She realized the term wasn’t just about nationality—it carried values: care for nature, community spirit, understated strength. That moment shifted her understanding from label to lifestyle.

How to Respectfully Use the Term 'Kiwi'

To ensure cultural sensitivity while using the term, consider this checklist:

• ✅ Use “Kiwi” in informal, friendly settings.
• ✅ Pair it with respect for Māori culture and history.
• ✅ Avoid using it in formal documents or legal contexts.
• ✅ Don’t assume all ethnic groups in NZ identify equally with the term.
• ✅ When in doubt, mirror the language locals use.

Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of the Kiwi

The nickname “Kiwi” is far more than a quirky label. It’s a living symbol of national character forged in war, nurtured by peace, and worn with quiet pride. From muddy trenches in France to Olympic podiums and tech startups, the name has traveled far beyond feathers and forests.

Understanding why New Zealanders are called Kiwis reveals something deeper: how nations create identity not just through flags or anthems, but through shared stories, symbols, and sacrifices. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or someone curious about global cultures, recognizing the weight behind this small word adds depth to your appreciation of Aotearoa.

💬 What does being a Kiwi mean to you? Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions—let’s keep the conversation growing, one feather at a time.