How did the kiwi bird become a New Zealand icon?

Answer 1

The kiwi is New Zealand's national icon because it is a New Zealand native bird.

It is a unique indigenous bird, easily identifiable, and for those reasons has been chosen as an icon.

This flightless bird has some completely unique characteristics which are not shared with any other species, such as nostrils at the very end of its bill, and an extremely highly developed sense of smell which enables it to detect food underground to the length of its bill.

The kiwi is not the only native bird which is endangered in New Zealand, but it has a very distinctive and easily recognised shape, which make it ideal as a New Zealand "icon". It is also in need of protection as, like many other species, it has become highly threatened by the effects of European settlement.

Answer 2

The name derives from the kiwi, a flightless bird, which is native to, and a national symbol of, New Zealand. It was first used by the military since the Regimental Signs for all New Zealand regiments feature the kiwi. although some pakeha (non-Maori) might call themselves 'kiwi', Maori do not. The use of nicknames based on nationality, ethnicity or culture is discouraged as it may be considered disrespectful, offensive or even racist.

Answer 3

The kiwi is regarded as an icon in New Zealand for several reasons.

This flightless bird has some completely unique characteristics which are not shared with any other species, such as nostrils at the very end of its bill, and an extremely highly developed sense of smell which enables it to detect food underground to the length of its bill.

The kiwi is not the only native bird which is endangered in New Zealand, but it has a very distinctive and easily recognised shape, which make it ideal as a New Zealand "icon". It is also in need of protection as, like many other species, it has become highly threatened by the effects of European settlement.

Answer 4

Kiwis are native to New Zealand and not found anywhere else. Like many other species of birds in the country, they are completely unique to the islands of New Zealand, but more easily identifiable than some of the other native birds to both New Zealanders and those outside the country.

This flightless bird has some completely unique characteristics which are not shared with any other species, such as nostrils at the very end of its bill, and an extremely highly developed sense of smell which enables it to detect food underground to the length of its bill.

The kiwi is not the only native bird which is endangered in New Zealand, but it has a very distinctive and easily recognised shape, which make it ideal as a New Zealand "icon". It is also in need of protection as, like many other species, it has become highly threatened by the effects of European settlement.

Answer 5

The kiwi is important to New Zealand for several reasons.

This flightless bird has some completely unique characteristics which are not shared with any other species, such as nostrils at the very end of its bill, and an extremely highly developed sense of smell which enables it to detect food underground to the length of its bill.

The kiwi is not the only native bird which is endangered in New Zealand, but it has a very distinctive and easily recognised shape, which make it ideal as a New Zealand "icon". It is also in need of protection as, like many other species, it has become highly threatened by the effects of European settlement.

Answer 6

It was created in Wellington in honour of the dancer Anna Pavlova during her 1920s tour of New Zealand.

Answer 7

Because this indigenous bird is highly distinctive. The 'kiwi' name is also used in trading circles for the New Zealand Dollar.