It can’t fly, it comes out at night, and most New Zealanders have never seen one in the wild. Yet the kiwi is everywhere in Aotearoa — on coins, sports jerseys, souvenirs, and even in our own logo. Look closely at the red h in the Hormay logo and you’ll find a little kiwi tucked inside. Here’s why this small, shy bird means so much to New Zealand.
A bird like no other
The kiwi is one of the most unusual birds in the world. A few facts that make it special:
- It can’t fly. The kiwi has tiny wings hidden under its feathers, and no tail.
- It’s a night owl. Kiwi are mostly nocturnal, foraging for worms and insects in the dark.
- It smells its dinner. Kiwi are the only bird with nostrils at the very tip of their long beak, so they sniff out food in the soil.
- Its feathers feel like fur. Soft and hair-like, which is part of why kiwi plush toys feel so true to life.
- It lays a giant egg. A kiwi egg can be around 20% of the mother’s body weight — one of the largest eggs for body size of any bird.
- There are five species. Each lives in different parts of the North and South Islands.
From a bird to a nickname
The kiwi has been a New Zealand symbol for well over a century. New Zealand soldiers were widely called “Kiwis” by the time of the First World War, and the name stuck. Today, “Kiwi” simply means a New Zealander — and it’s said with pride.
You’ll also hear “kiwi” used for kiwifruit, which was renamed after the bird in the 1950s for export. In New Zealand, though, a kiwi is always the bird first.
Why Kiwis love their kiwi
The kiwi is a lot like the country it comes from: a little quirky, unique, and found nowhere else on Earth. It doesn’t need to fly to be remarkable. That humble, down-to-earth character is exactly how many New Zealanders like to see themselves.
It’s also a reminder of what makes New Zealand special. For millions of years, the islands had no land mammals except bats, so birds like the kiwi evolved to live on the ground. The kiwi is a living piece of that story.
A taonga worth protecting
For Māori, the kiwi is a taonga — a treasure — and a guardian of the forest. Sadly, it needs our help. Introduced predators such as stoats, cats and dogs are the biggest threat, especially to young chicks.
The good news: community groups, iwi and conservation projects across the country are bringing kiwi back. You can help too:
- Keep dogs on a lead in areas where kiwi live.
- Support a conservation group such as Save the Kiwi.
- Visit a kiwi sanctuary or wildlife centre to see kiwi safely and support their work.
- Share the story — the more people care about kiwi, the better their future.
Bring home a little kiwi
Can’t see a kiwi in the wild? You can still have one to hug. Our kiwi plush toys are some of the most-loved gifts at Hormay:
- Hallifax Kiwi in Pink Hoodie & Scarf — $23.90. Dressed for a chilly night out.
- Kiwi & Friends Rattle Rings — $9.90. A soft first friend for new babies.
They make thoughtful gifts for visitors heading home, new arrivals in the family, or anyone who loves New Zealand. Every order is hand-checked in Auckland, and shipping is free on orders of $79 or more anywhere in New Zealand.
Shop kiwi plush toys →
Want more Kiwi gift ideas? Read our Kiwi Gift Guide.
