What does the symbol of New Zealand look like?

New Zealand, like any other state, has its official symbolism, which represents it. This is the coat of arms, national flag and anthem. However, the rich flora and fauna of the country gives grounds to believe that there is another symbol of New Zealand. And maybe not one.

Country name history

The Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, who in 1642 reached the shores of the Polynesian islands of the Pacific, made their outlines on a map. He originally gave them the name Staten Landt (State Land). This name did not last long, and soon it was replaced by another - Nova Zeelandia, which in Dutch means "New Seas of the Sea". Captain James Cook, in drawing up a more accurate map in 1769, used English. So the name New Zealand (New Zealand), officially established behind the country, appeared.

State symbols

New Zealand is a member of the British Commonwealth and recognizes the power of the British monarch.

The national flag has a background of blue color, it contains images of the British flag and four red stars, symbolizing the constellation Southern Cross.

The coat of arms in its current form was granted to the country by Queen Elizabeth II in 1956. Prior to the dominion status in 1907, New Zealand, like other colonies of the British Empire, did not have its own coat of arms. The first state symbol of New Zealand was granted in 1911 by King George V. And in 1956 some changes were made to its design. On the shield of the emblem there are the following images:

1. Three ships - a symbol of maritime trade and the immigrant origin of most citizens.

2. Four stars - a symbol of the constellation Southern Cross.

3. The Golden Fleece is a symbol of cattle breeding.

4. Sheaf of wheat is a symbol of agriculture.

5. Two crossed hammers are a symbol of industry and mining.

Above the shield is the crown of St. Edward - one of the royal symbols of Great Britain. Under the shield are two branches of a silvery fern, decorated with a ribbon bearing the inscription "New Zealand." On the sides of the shield are two figures holding it. It is a European-looking woman with the flag of New Zealand and a Maori warrior representing the indigenous people of the country.

There are two national anthems in the country that have equal status: "God save the Queen" and "God protect New Zealand". The latter is more used.

Silver fern is the symbol of New Zealand

A flower with silver leaves, which landscape designers like to decorate the shady parts of the garden, belongs to the class of ferns. The official name is silver cyanide. In the wild, it grows only in New Zealand. Since ancient times, the indigenous people of the country used all the properties of this plant. For medical purposes, it was used as an antiseptic, which helps to heal wounds and burns. The woody part of the fern is poisonous, and the Maori warriors treated the tips of their spears with the juice of its fibers.

This plant is the national symbol of New Zealand, its image can be found on army badges, coins, emblems of sports teams and clubs. In 2015, a new draft of the national flag was developed with a fern branch. However, following the results of the referendum in 2016, it was decided to leave the design of the state flag the same.

Kiwi (bird) - a symbol of New Zealand

Another national symbol of the country is the flying bird of kiwi. This endemic has a rather funny appearance. The body of a bird resembles the shape of a pear. The wings are practically undeveloped, so they are not visible behind the thick plumage, more like wool. The tail is not there, the neck is so small that it seems as if the head immediately passes into the trunk. A bird has a long thin beak with nostrils at the end. A strong four-toed legs allow you to run fast. And although kiwi does not fly, it's difficult to catch. The bird is small and rarely weighs more than four kilograms. The largest of the five species living in New Zealand is the large gray kiwi. Its height reaches 45 centimeters.

In the natural habitat to see kiwi is almost impossible, because it leads a nocturnal life. Her sense of smell developed better than touch, her long beak with nostrils at the end of the bird literally sniffs prey. The main diet of kiwi is insects, worms, mollusks, crustaceans, berries and small fruits. During the day, the bird hides in specially prepared shelters. These can be burrows, which certain types of kiwifruit dig in the form of labyrinths, hollows and intricate root systems of trees. On its territory, a pair of birds can have up to 50 shelters, well camouflaged with leaves and moss. And although kiwi is an unofficial symbol of New Zealand, still this endemic is the most recognizable and beloved by the inhabitants of the country representative of the fauna. His images can be found everywhere - from coins, jewelry and souvenirs to logos and advertising banners.

Kiviana

In conclusion, it should be added that the people of New Zealand are very fond of the unique history and nature of their country. And they even came up with a concept like the Kivian for all the national features that symbolize the country. The list is constantly replenished, it includes traditions and cultural subjects of the indigenous people of New Zealand, representatives of the kingdom of nature, modern scientific and cultural achievements.