The symbols on the shield represent the country's maritime trade, agriculture and industry. A European woman and a Māori chief flank the left and right sides, identifying New Zealand as a bicultural nation (European New Zealanders and Māori). The figures are supported by the silver fern, a native plant. The St Edward's Crown is a reminder that New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy.[4]
Both are official, though in most circumstances "God Defend New Zealand" is used as the anthem. "God Save the King" is generally used only on regal and viceregal occasions.[5]
The national Māori flag also uses these colours, with attached symbolism.[7]Red ochre (kokowai) has a spiritual significance in Māori culture, associated with life and vitality.[6][8]
The term Kiwis has been used as a nickname for New Zealanders since at least World War I, and the bird's use as a symbol for the country dates from the same era.[9]
A species of medium-sized tree fern, endemic to New Zealand. Often referred to by its Māori name, ponga, the silver fern has been used to represent New Zealand since the 1880s.[10]
Evergreen tree, producing bright yellow flowers in spring. Blooms of kōwhai are found throughout New Zealand in a diverse range of habitats.[11] The Department of Conservation notes that kōwhai is widely regarded as being the national flower.[11]
Popular in the late 19th and early 20th century. Now rarely used, other than as a supporter on the coat of arms.[12]
Cultural icons
Icons of New Zealand culture are almost as well known by New Zealanders and visitors as unofficial symbols. Certain items of popular culture thought to be unique to New Zealand are also called "Kiwiana".[13]
This fruit was branded kiwifruit when growers in New Zealand established successful cultivars suitable for export.[15] It remains a major export for the country.
The film trilogy (and the subsequent The Hobbit trilogy) highlighted New Zealand's natural scenery and is widely associated with the country worldwide.[17]
A meringue cake with a crisp crust and soft, marshmallow centre, topped with whipped cream and fruit. Its country of origin is widely contested by Australia.[19]
^"Coat of Arms". Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
^Wilson, John (September 2016). "Nation and government - Nationhood and identity". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
^ a b"History of God Defend New Zealand". Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
^ a b"Design of the New Zealand Orders", Department of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
^"The national Māori flag". NZHistory.govt.nz. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
^"Kokowai". Sharing the Waiwhakaiho. 8 December 2014. Archived from the original on 2015-01-13. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
^"Kiwi", Department of Conservation/Te Papa Atawhai. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
^Wilson, John (16 September 2016). "Nation and government - Nationhood and identity", Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
^ a bKowhai", Department of Conservation/Te Papa Atawhai. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
^Wilson, John (8 February 2005). "Nation and government - Nationhood and identity", Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
^"Bungy Jumping - Queenstown New Zealand". nz.com. New Zealand on the Web. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
^Mortion, Julia F. (2011), "Kiwifruit: Actinidia deliciosa In: Fruits of Warm Climates, 1987", Center for New Crops & Plant Products at Purdue University. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
^Charles Royal, Te Ahukaramū (8 February 2005). "Māori creation traditions - Common threads in creation stories: The koru", Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
^Pinchefsky, Carol (14 December 2012). "The Impact (Economic and Otherwise) of Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit on New Zealand". Forbes. Retrieved 22 January 2017.