The name 'kiwi' comes from the curious little flightless bird that is unique to New Zealand. ... In the early 1900s, cartoonists started to use images of the kiwi bird to represent New Zealand as a country. During the First World War, New Zealand soldiers were referred to as 'kiwis', and the nickname stuck.

Why do they call NZ Kiwis?

New Zealanders have been called 'Kiwis' since the nickname was bestowed by Australian soldiers in the First World War. Today a lot of dedicated people help to prevent kiwi from becoming extinct. There are five species of kiwi, all needing our help.

Is it OK to call a New Zealander a kiwi?

"Calling a New Zealander a 'Kiwi' is not of itself offensive. 'Kiwi' is not an insult," said Judge Leonie Farrell. She added that the word was often viewed as a "term of endearment". It is derived from the name of a flightless bird native to the country.