Kiwi vs. Maori — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
Kiwi is a term for New Zealanders or a flightless bird; Maori refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
Difference Between Kiwi and Maori
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Kiwi, when used to refer to people, signifies citizens of New Zealand, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds. It's a national identifier akin to "American" or "Canadian."
Maori denotes the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, with a rich cultural heritage and a distinct language, te reo Maori, which is recognized as an official language of New Zealand.
The term Kiwi is also used to describe a unique, flightless bird native to New Zealand, which is a national symbol and has become emblematic of the people and the country itself.
Maori culture is known for its powerful traditional dance, the haka, distinctive carvings and tattoos, known as ta moko, and a history that is deeply entwined with the islands of New Zealand.
Kiwi as an adjective can also refer to attributes or items characteristic of New Zealand, such as kiwi fruit, whereas Maori as an adjective specifically relates to the original Polynesian inhabitants and their culture.
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Comparison Chart
Reference
New Zealanders, a bird, or related symbols.
Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
Culture
Broad New Zealand culture.
Specific indigenous culture with unique traditions.
Language
English, commonly spoken by New Zealanders.
Te reo Maori, the language of the Maori people.
Heritage
Refers to nationality, not specific heritage.
Pertains to a particular ethnic heritage.
Usage in New Zealand
Casual, informal term.
Formal, recognizing indigenous status.
Compare with Definitions
Kiwi
National nickname
She's a proud Kiwi, supporting New Zealand in every rugby match.
Maori
Indigenous people
The Maori have a rich history that predates European colonization.
Kiwi
Informal demonym
As a Kiwi, her accent was often mistaken for Australian.
Maori
Treaty party
The Maori were signatories to the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
Kiwi
Endemic bird
The kiwi is a nocturnal bird native to New Zealand.
Maori
Language
Te reo Maori is now being taught in many New Zealand schools.
Kiwi
Emblem
The kiwi represents New Zealand on many military insignias.
Maori
Art
Maori carvings often depict ancestral tales and myths.
Kiwi
Fruit
He added kiwi to the fruit salad for a tart flavor.
Maori
Traditions
Maori traditions include powerful performances of the haka.
Kiwi
Any of several flightless birds of the genus Apteryx native to New Zealand, having vestigial wings and a long slender bill. Also called apteryx.
Maori
A member of a people of New Zealand, of Polynesian-Melanesian ancestry.
Kiwi
(Informal) A New Zealander.
Maori
The Austronesian language of the Maori.
Kiwi
A kiwifruit.
Maori
Of or relating to the Maori or their language or culture.
Kiwi
A flightless bird of the genus Apteryx native to New Zealand.
Maori
One of the aboriginal inhabitants of New Zealand; also, the original language of New Zealand.
Kiwi
Alternative case form of Kiwi.
Maori
An ethnic minority speaking Maori and living in New Zealand
Kiwi
(informal) A New Zealand dollar.
Maori
The Oceanic language spoken by the Maori people in New Zealand
Kiwi
A kiwi fruit.
Kiwi
A green-yellow colour, like that of kiwi fruit flesh (also called kiwi green).
Kiwi
A member of the air force who does not fly.
Kiwi
Climbing vine native to China; cultivated in New Zealand for its fuzzy edible fruit with green meat
Kiwi
A native or inhabitant of New Zealand
Kiwi
Fuzzy brown egg-shaped fruit with slightly tart green flesh
Kiwi
Nocturnal flightless bird of New Zealand having a long neck and stout legs; only surviving representative of the order Apterygiformes
Common Curiosities
What is a Kiwi?
It can refer to a New Zealander, a flightless bird, or related symbols.
Are the Kiwi bird and fruit related?
No, aside from their name, they are not related.
Who are the Maori?
The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
Is te reo Maori widely spoken?
It is spoken by the Maori people and others learning it as a second language.
What are some examples of Maori art?
Ta moko (tattoos) and wood carvings are distinctive forms of Maori art.
Can anyone in New Zealand be called a Kiwi?
Yes, Kiwi is a general term for New Zealand citizens.
Is Maori culture prominent in New Zealand?
Yes, Maori culture is integral to New Zealand’s national identity.
Do all Kiwis have Maori heritage?
No, Kiwi is a national term that includes people of various ethnicities.
How did the kiwi fruit get its name?
It was named for its resemblance to the kiwi bird.
Is the Kiwi bird endangered?
Yes, kiwi birds are endangered and protected species.
Are Maori customs practiced by all New Zealanders?
Many Maori customs have become part of the broader New Zealand culture.
What is the haka?
The haka is a traditional Maori war dance now performed at various events.
Is Kiwi used formally?
Kiwi is mostly used informally or in casual contexts.
Do Maori have a separate political status?
The Maori have unique political representation through Maori electorates.
What's the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi for the Maori?
It's New Zealand’s founding document, signed between Maori chiefs and the British Crown.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
