- Kiwi (people)
Kiwi is the nickname used internationally for people from
New Zealand , as well as being a relatively common self-reference. The name derives from thekiwi , aflightless bird which is native to, and thenational symbol of,New Zealand . [ [http://glossary.immigration.govt.nz/Kiwis.htm Kiwis/Kiwi - New Zealand Immigration Service (Summary of Terms)] ]History
The first New Zealanders to be widely known as Kiwis were the military. [ [http://www.teara.govt.nz/TheBush/NativeBirdsAndBats/Kiwi/5/en Kiwi - A kiwi country: 1930s–2000s - Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand ] ] The
Regimental Sign s for all New Zealand regiments feature the kiwi, including those which fought in theSecond Boer War then with theAustralian and New Zealand Army Corps inWorld War I . Much of the interaction between regiments and between regiments and locals was done under the respective Regimental Sign, and the kiwi came to mean first the men of regiments and then all New Zealanders. Due to the relative isolation of New Zealand, many troops stayed in Europe (particularly at Beacon Hill, nearBulford on the Salisbury Plain, where they carved a chalk kiwi into the hill in 1918) [ [http://www.wiltshire-web.co.uk/history/horse.htm The White Horses] ] for months or years until transport home could be arranged.The
Oxford English Dictionary gives the first use of the 'Kiwi' to mean 'New Zealander' in 1918, in theNew Zealand Expeditionary Force Chronicles. The nickname 'Kiwis' for New Zealand servicemen eventually became common usage in all war theatres.Fact|date=February 2007Following
World War II the term was gradually attributed to all New Zealanders and today, throughout the world they are referred to as Kiwis, as well as often referring to themselves that way.Spelling of the word "Kiwi", when used to describe the people, is often capitalised, and takes the plural form "Kiwis". The bird's name is spelt with a lower-case "k" and, being a word of Māori origin, normally stays as "kiwi" when
plural ised. Thus, "two Kiwis" refers to two people, whereas "two kiwi" refers to two birds.References
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