The Kiwi bird is a stupid national mascot

**erik** · 15th September 2006, 21:39

Originally Posted by Fairlie

I am going to slaughter a sacred cow here and say the kiwi is an embarassment as a national mascot. Why have the equivalent of the Dodo as the national bird? ...

I think the national bird should be the Kea...

These two pages:

http://www.nzs.com/about-new-zealand/the-kiwi.html
http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/E/Embl...nal/TheKiwi/en

say that the kiwi was first used as an emblem by soldiers in the late 19th century and has become more widely known since then.
Maybe they chose it because kiwi's are good at sneaking around at night in the bush - something I'd guess might come in handy as a soldier?
Overseas in WW1 and 2 the kiwi might have provided NZ troops with a more unique emblem than a kea since many other countries have parrots, but few (do any?) have ground dwelling birds like the kiwi.

**Flatcap** · 15th September 2006, 21:47

Originally Posted by erik

These two pages:

http://www.nzs.com/about-new-zealand/the-kiwi.html
http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/E/Embl...nal/TheKiwi/en

say that the kiwi was first used as an emblem by soldiers in the late 19th century and has become more widely known since then.
Maybe they chose it because kiwi's are good at sneaking around at night in the bush - something I'd guess might come in handy as a soldier?
Overseas in WW1 and 2 the kiwi might have provided NZ troops with a more unique emblem than a kea since many other countries have parrots, but few (do any?) have ground dwelling birds like the kiwi.

Well, the saying "sitting duck" was coined for and easy target, but at least a duck can fly off if required.

I cannot understand why the airforce would use the Kiwi on it's roundel - is this not stupid? a flightless bird?........on second thought....

**The Pastor** · 15th September 2006, 22:25

I like the kiwi it has a cool shape to it.

I'd be proud to wear it on my shirt.

**andrea** · 15th September 2006, 23:24

Originally Posted by Street Gerbil

Actually, it is not a rat but rather an indian gerbil, whom they believe is a vehicle for one of their deities.

damn, i stand corrected, oh well they are all the same to me all rodents

**Hillbilly** · 15th September 2006, 23:30

I once has an American ask me "Tell me, what kind of nation chooses a blind, flightless bird as it's national symbol?" Well at least it isn't bald!

**Big Dave** · 16th September 2006, 00:47

Or the French Fowl. Whats up with a chicken?

**andrea** · 16th September 2006, 07:36

im with renegade master i like the kiwi, YAWNNNN!!!!

**DingDong** · 16th September 2006, 07:46

Its too late to change it now... we've all grown up with it and it will always hold national pride...

The silver furn is'nt the best either... a Koru (symbolises new life) would have been a better choice... silver furns are green on top and white on bottom... after a few days they shivel up and fall apart.

we change that either

**SlashWylde** · 16th September 2006, 09:41

Originally Posted by Fairlie

The Kea is much more in line with what I think it is to be "kiwi" - what do you lot think? or should I just shut up an have another scotch......

Aggreed, the Kea would be a great mascot. Have another scotch

**SlashWylde** · 16th September 2006, 09:43

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Or the French Fowl. Whats up with a chicken?

Don't get me started

**Skyryder** · 16th September 2006, 16:27

Originally Posted by Fairlie

I am going to slaughter a sacred cow here and say the kiwi is an embarassment as a national mascot. Why have the equivalent of the Dodo as the national bird? are we fat arse nocturnal chickens? are we lone forest floor combers

I think the national bird should be the Kea - smart alec larrikans who take great joy in dismantling cages while the owners are skiing. Resplendent with a flash of crimson under the wing. Gregarious and social - enjoying the company of his Kea mates in a round of piss taking.

The Kea is much more in line with what I think it is to be "kiwi" - what do you lot think? or should I just shut up an have another scotch......

As nice as the kea looks it's just another parrot. The kiwi is an original bird that in my mind epitimizes New Zealanders. We are unique. We have our own flavour of National identity.

Skyryder

**Skyryder** · 16th September 2006, 16:38

Originally Posted by DingDong

Its too late to change it now... we've all grown up with it and it will always hold national pride...

The silver furn is'nt the best either... a Koru (symbolises new life) would have been a better choice... silver furns are green on top and white on bottom... after a few days they shivel up and fall apart.

we change that either

You are right about the silver fern. But it is as kiwi as the kiwi. The Koru is now recognised as a New Zealand emblem.

Skyryder

**Lou Girardin** · 16th September 2006, 16:46

Originally Posted by Skyryder

As nice as the kea looks it's just another parrot. The kiwi is an original bird that in my mind epitimizes New Zealanders. We are unique. We have our own flavour of National identity.

Skyryder

I guess we're lucky they didn't choose the Huhu grub.

**Skyryder** · 16th September 2006, 18:37

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

I guess we're lucky they didn't choose the Huhu grub.

Never thought of that one. Another reason why the Kiwi is so right for us.

There are plenty of kiwis who do like the Huhu grub, like the bird, but I'm not one of them.

Skyryder