Kiwiana

Certain items and icons from New Zealand's heritage Kiwiana is an expression common among New Zealanders referring to certain items and icons from New Zealand's heritage, especially from around the middle of the 20th century, that are seen as representing iconic New Zealand elements. These "quirky things that contribute to a sense of nationhood" include both genuine cultural icons and kitsch. Origins and history The silver fern flag has become an iconic, yet unofficial, symbol of New Zealand. The term Kiwiana comes from a combination of Kiwi, a nickname for New Zealanders, and Americana, defined as items that showcase American culture. Items of Kiwiana are generally either unique or particularly common to New Zealand, particularly from the early and mid-twentieth century. Although the term is sometimes used to describe any and all New Zealand icons, it is more commonly used to describe pop culture items such as toys or branded foods. A few more serious national icons have become Kiwiana through heavy use in advertising and the souvenir industry, including the kiwi and the hei-tiki. Kiwiana is generally seen as a form of kitsch. A number of companies with products deemed to be 'Kiwi