Difference between Kiwi and Maori

Key Difference: Kiwi is basically an informal word used to refer to New Zealanders. The military were the first New Zealanders who were widely known as Kiwis. The Maori, a tribal Polynesian people, are the indigenous people of New Zealand.

New Zealandars are also known as Kiwi. It has a very unique and dynamic culture. The word Maori means the local people, and after the arrival of the Europeans, Maori came to represent the local people in New Zealand. The culture of its indigenous Maori people affects the language, the arts, and even the accents of all New Zealanders. Their place in the South Pacific and their love for the outdoors, sport, and the arts make New Zealanders and their culture unique in the world.

Kiwi is basically a nickname or is an informal word used to refer to New Zealanders. The name is of course derived from the flightless bird ‘kiwi’, which is the national symbol of New Zealand. Spelling of the word when used to describe the people is often capitalized and is written in a plural form. The military were the first New Zealanders who were widely known as Kiwis. The Oxford Dictionary gave the first use of the 'Kiwi' to mean 'New Zealander' in 1918, in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Chronicles. The nickname 'Kiwis' for New Zealand servicemen ultimately became common usage in all war theatres.

Maori is the official language of New Zealand. New Zealand was discovered by the Maoris. Maori culture has been predominated for most of New Zealand's history of human habitation. Sometime around 1300 AD, New Zealand was occupied by the Maori who came there from Polynesia. At present, there are more than half a million Maoris in New Zealand, making up 15% of the total population of the country. They have a lower income as compared to non-Maoris.

Today, Maori people live throughout New Zealand, and many are actively involved with keeping their culture and language alive. Maori people define themselves by their iwi (tribe), hapu (sub-tribe), maunga (mountain) and awa (river). In recent years, the introduction to Maori language nests (kohanga reo) has rejuvenated the Maori language. The hongi is the world famous Maori greeting of New Zealand.

Comparison between Kiwi and Maori:

 

Kiwi

Maori

Description

Kiwi is an informal word used to refer to a New Zealanders.

The Maori, a tribal Polynesian people, are the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Known as

Military people

A tribal Polynesian people

May also refer to

  • Kiwi bird
  • Kiwi fruit
  • Maori people
  • Maori language
  • Maori culture
  • Maori ships
  • Maori sports team
  • Maori literature

Demeanor

Kiwis are friendly, outgoing, somewhat reserved initially yet polite, and enjoy extending hospitality.

Maoris are generally friendly and reserved, and they place great value on hospitality.

Image Courtesy: conservapedia.com, news.bbc.co.uk

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