We are keen to find out what makes Kiwis tick. We want to celebrate and reflect our Kiwi-ness. We wondered – what do we associate with our Kiwi identity? Jandals or buzzy bees? Hokey pokey or pavlova? Or in today’s diversified and globally influenced culture, have we found something new?
To find out we have partnered with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and researcher Lindsay Neill. As part of a PhD study, Lindsay is investigating what New Zealanders believe identifies them as Kiwis.
This survey has now closed.
About the research
“To date research on Kiwi identity and Kiwiana has focused on the past”, says Neill.
The research will have two phases; the first will capture what people think about existing ideas about being Kiwi and the other will ask participants about new themes emerging in Kiwi identity.
“Most comes from the 1950s and 60s and reflects ‘the good old days’. This research will explore the views of contemporary New Zealanders most of whom have grown up with the global influence of the World Wide Web. Our society has also become increasingly multi-cultural, so it will be interesting to see what impact that has had and is having on Kiwi identity. For example, the beckoning cat commonly seen in many Asian owned retail outlets may make an appearance as an item reflecting Kiwi identity and the changing demographics of New Zealand. The will research will include opportunities for participants to tell their own stories of Kiwi-ness.”
The research ties into Neill’s PhD work that explores three migrant communities – Chinese, South American, and Pacific Island and what they think about Kiwi identity, as well as his extensive work related to pie carts and their relationship to Kiwiana.
At Electric Kiwi we think that part of being a good Kiwi is getting behind other Kiwis doing great things. Working with Lindsay and AUT fits with that. The research will help us better understand our customers and our country. We are fascinated, as Kiwis, to see the results.
