Why Are New Zealanders Called "Kiwis"?

Why Are New Zealanders Called “Kiwis”?

People from New Zealand are often called “Kiwis.” But why? Is it a bad word, or do New Zealanders like it?

The name comes from the kiwi bird, a small, flightless bird that only lives in New Zealand. The bird is special because it is unique to the country. During World War I, New Zealand soldiers had a picture of a kiwi on their uniforms. Other soldiers started calling them “Kiwis,” and the name stayed.

Today, New Zealanders are proud to be called Kiwis. It is not an insult—it is a friendly nickname. Many companies in New Zealand use “Kiwi” in their names. So, if you meet a person from New Zealand, you can call them a Kiwi. They will probably smile and say, “Yes, I am!”