I just want to try understand, how people view New Zealanders...
I am one, I was talking to a Canadian (Mike) who said, 'man, Kiwi's you guys are wired so differently, I love it"... I am curious to hear what you think, have you encountered anything, good, bad, wacky or unique.
Reply to this Kiwis love their rugby team (the All Blacks) as much as the Candaians love their national ice hockey team so there is a similarity to start with.
Reply to this i've only met 1 kiwi in my life and i thought it was pretty cool. very outdoorsie and witty. if he wasn't outside, he wasn't a very happy camper.
Reply to this Far east Australia isnt it?? - I think Kiwis are pretty much same same as Aussies, we think alike mostly. Ive shared houses with Kiwis here and in NZ and never really thought ohhh Im the Australian one.
Interesting aside - was at a cross cultural seminar about who got who - apparently research shows Kiwis and Australias have a sense of humour that is only appreciated/understood by Thais (although Canada were in the top 5 of countries who ''got'' aussies and kiwis)
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New Zealanders?
It's hard to answer a question like this that is so general.
I have not met a Kiwi that I didn't like. The Kiwi's that I have known personally have been happy and kind. Because of their surroundings many enjoy nature and being outside. Many seem to have a love of travel and exploring.
Reply to this Love Kiwis as much as Aussies. They are very friendly, have good humor, good-natured, love the great outdoor and their BBQ (or Hangi).
I also can't see much difference between the kiwis and aussies apart from difference in accent. Though there's a sense of rivalry between the two (just like the Canadians and Americans). They like making fun of each other (mainly tongue-in-cheek kind of way) ! ... don't know how much more "sheep" jokes I can listen to ...
Cheers ! 😄
[Edited: 2011 Jul 18 03:35 - josworld:15287 ]
Reply to this I also can't see much difference between the kiwis and aussies apart from difference in accent.
I think the big differences between Aussies and Kiwis was summed up by cricket commentator Peter Roebuck (from England) who believed that Australians operate "in packs". In a sporting sense they tend to gather together in groups and wear the same shocking green wig or banana suits to the cricket or something equally distinctive, whereas Kiwis won't follow this example to such a degree.
From this comment Peter mentioned that this pack mentality filtered into other aspects of Australian life too, as opposed to New Zealand.
This is not to say that the Kiwis or Aussies don't have a greater or lesser sense of community, but that Aussies in particular do cluster and follow a group identity within their circle of friends or aquaintances more than the Kiwis for example - but I do stand to be corrected by others on this.
This even applies to travelling to a large degree, just look at the number of Aussie type bars and clubs throughout the world whose design is to attract Aussies. You don't find as many Kiwi ones by comparison.
Having said that, there are Aussies who don't heed this "pack" mentality and journey though life and the world as more of a "lone wolf" - such as
Tom Rooney,
thedribbleman and yes - I'd put myself into that cateogry as well.
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In response to: Msg #140473
From this comment Peter mentioned that this pack mentality filtered into other aspects of Australian life too, as opposed to New Zealand.
I would like to interpret the 'pack mentality' among Aussies as more of a strong sense of cameraderie. In sporting events they tend to stand out together in groups wearing outrageous outfits in shades of yellow and green cheering popular slogan "Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie, Oy, Oy, Oy" ! Though I have yet to know what the Kiwi slogan is 😊. Perceived as "party-animals", their down to earth, easy-going persona draw a lot of friends. Amongst the happiest people in the world, Aussies really do know how to have fun. Kiwis on the other hand are not as noticeable probably because they are more reserve ? ... or perhaps because they are like endangered species and don't really see much Kiwis around (pun intended). 😉
In times of catastrophe, Aussies and Kiwis are both very supportive of each other. Hundreds of volunteers offering a helping hand were even turned down because there were just too many. Something the whole world should look up to I guess ...
Reply to this I agree with you there Jo, and am sure the other Kiwis/Aussies who have posted here would too.
Despite the rivalry (which is most obvious in the sporting arena), there probably aren't two countries that are closer in spirit when it really does count.
Reply to this I was going to say that i think kiwi's are pretty much like aussies too but now that one of you mentioned it, i dont think i've ever met a kiwi i didnt like. They generally like to party and love theyre alcohol and are hard workers... but i guess there are slackers staying at home just like there are in australia.
The big thing i'm always impressed with is that of a country with a population of something like 5million there is always a kiwi at a tourist attraction or an irish pub anywhere in the world! They have to be the most travelled per captita of any nation 😊 I love it!
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Jo, I do think the Kiwi's travel a lot but I'll bet per capital the German's or the Netherlands have them beat. There are times when I'm traveling and meet so many German's on an extended trip or someone from the Netherlands. Often times I sit and wonder if there is anyone left at home back in those countries.
Reply to this Despite the rivalry (which is most obvious in the sporting arena), there probably aren't two countries that are closer in spirit when it really does count.
Fully agree with this. When the Brisbane floods swamped us earlier this year, the Kiwis were the first people to come and assist and they were one of the last to leave. Likewise when the Christchurch Earthquake occurred a few weeks later, the Aussies were the first people over there as well and provided a lot of equipment and expertise. This assistance in adversity has been a strong part of the relationship between the two nations for a century.
Re the sporting rivalry, I was walking home last night and met a few supporters leaving the Rugby Union Australian Wallabies vs New Zealand All Blacks game. As one Aussie supporter said to me, "I really hope that the Wallabies can win the World Cup later this year, but if they cannot, then I'll hope it is the All Blacks instead".
Even though the sporting rivalry is huge, there is enormous respect between the nations. Personally speaking, when at an Olympics, I will always support the Australian team, but if there are no Aussies on display and New Zealand is participating, then I'll start cheering for them instead. It must look a bit odd someone wearing a gold suit with a green face supporting the black-coloured New Zealand, but there you go - life can often produce some curiosities.
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