National symbols of Aotearoa

Location of New Zealand, including outlying islands, its territorial claim in the Antarctic, and Tokelau.

The National Symbols of the Australasian Nation-State of Aotearoa are official and unofficial flags, icons or cultural expressions that are emblematic, representative or otherwise characteristic of Aotearoa and of its culture. Among the additional objects which are considered to be symbols of the Kiwi nation, is the indigenous Kiwi bird.

Zealandia Maori Oceanic symbols

There is no denying the Silver fern (Cyathea dealbata) is one of our nations most recognised national symbols, but what is less recognised is its story of origin, its whakapapa kōrero. The bird Kiwi is the national symbol and icon of New Zealand. The name of the bird – Kiwi comes from the language of Māori (indigenous NZ people). It means “hidden bird”. The association between Kiwis and NZ is so strong that often the word Kiwi is used to refer to the people of New Zealand.

It may only be a small storm, yet a successful outcome is imminent. In this world I greet my oldest survivor — the earth. Walk in the valley of our ancestors, learn of the history, and marvel at the beauty. A little axe, when well used, brings lots of food. Survival is the treasured goal. Don’t lean on your fellow men — theirs is an ever-moving support. Let us keep close together, not far apart. When one chief falls, another one rises. Boast during the day; be humble at night. Only the foolish visit the land of the cannibals. Let us hurry and finish up the food; when visitors arrive, the meal will be over. Who lives in a quiet house has plenty. Take time to enjoy life’s roses.

	Symbol	Image
Coat of arms	Coat of arms of New Zealand	State Coat of Arms of Aotearoa
Flag	Flag of New Zealand	State Flag of Aotearoa
Flowers	National flower of New Zealand Sophora tetraptera Floral emblem of New Zealand Metrosideros excelsa	State Flower of Aotearoa Floral Emblem of Aotearoa
Plant	National plant of New Zealand Cortaderia jubata	State Plant of Aotearoa
Leaf	National leaf of New Zealand Cyathea dealbata	State Leaf of Aotearoa
Trees	National tree of New Zealand Cyathea dealbata Botanic emblem of New Zealand Cordyline australis Aotearoan national tree Dacrydium cupressinum	State Tree of Aotearoa
Birds	National bird of New Zealand Apteryx mantelli Avifaunae emblem of New Zealand Nestor meridionalis	State Bird of Aotearoa Avifaunae Emblem of Aotearoa
Animal	National animal of New Zealand Ovis aries	State Animal of Aotearoa
Reptile	National reptile of New Zealand Sphenodon punctatus	State Reptile of Aotearoa
Fruit	National fruit of New Zealand Actindia deliciosia	State Fruit of Aotearoa
Dishes	National dish of Aotearoa Aotearoan cuisine Aotearoan national dish Cutlery food of Aotearoa	State Dish of Aotearoa
Sport	National sport of Aotearoa Aotearoan play	State Sport of Aotearoa

See also

• National symbols of Australia
• National symbols of Fiji

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