Gumboots, 'Buzzy Bee' toys, marching girls, a meringue dessert, paua ashtrays, and a cookbook may not appear terribly important things. However to many Kiwis (NZ'ers), such items assume vital importance as key icons of Kiwiana! So, what is Kiwiana? It may be understood as all the weird and wonderful quirky objects from our heritage that contribute to our sense of nationhood — our NZ identity.

What is a Kiwi?

To understand Kiwiana, itis imperative to first know what exactly a kiwi is. A kiwi is a flightless nocturnal native bird, and the national bird of New Zealand. It has a long beak with nostrils on the end, and rumages about at night feeding on small insects. However, over the years, New Zealanders have become known as 'Kiwis' also. There is a unusual 'kiwi' sense of humour, a kiwi 'do-it-yourself' attitude, and Kiwiana means the things that contribute to our sense of being Kiwi. Just to confuse you, the kiwifruit is commonly refered to as a 'kiwi' in Europe and America and 'Kiwi' nugget (shoe polish) is recognised internationally, even though it is an Australian product!

Kiwifruit

The Kiwifruit, often simply known as a 'kiwi' is of Chinese origin, but grows throughout New Zealand. It was originally known as a 'Chinese Gooseberry' by New Zealanders, however when NZ began to export them, it was decided to give them a better name. 'Kiwifruit' was the choice, because it would associate them as being from NZ. The decisions was timely, and NZ enjoyed massive exports during the international Kiwifruit boom. While kiwifruit are now grown throughout the world, you can always tell if a kiwifruit is from New Zealand, as it will be branded 'Zespri'.

How To Find Kiwiana?

Most second-hand and nz gift shops have a decent range of Kiwiana, but if you want the real thing, go to one of the regular of garage sales that happen throughout NZ every weekend.

Looking for unusual Kiwiana and NZ Design gifts? The best I've found is http://www.toggle.co.nz./ who stock a massive range of Kiwiana & NZ Design gifts, and guarantee to be the lowest priced in the country. Now thatis a recipe for success.