The kiwi is the national icon of New Zealand and the unofficial national emblem. A kiwi is not a fruit – it is New Zealand’s native flightless bird and a slang term for a New Zealander. Kiwis call the fruit “kiwifruit” – they are also known as Chinese Gooseberries. 

The kiwi is a curious bird: it cannot fly, has loose, hair-like feathers, strong legs and no tail.

Kiwi birds are extremely unique in the bird world. Though they are the size of chickens, they lay eggs the size of ostrich eggs, weighing around a pound each. Their enormous eggs are the largest in the bird world, in proportion to their bodies. These birds were named after their distinctive shrill cry "kee-wee kee-wee".

Kiwi are a symbol for the uniqueness of New Zealand wildlife and the value of our natural heritage.