Why are people from new zealand called kiwis

The term "Kiwi" to refer to people from New Zealand is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. There are a few different theories about how this came to be:

1. One theory is that the term "Kiwi" was coined by Australian soldiers during World War I. According to this story, the soldiers would refer to New Zealanders as "Kiwi" because of the small, flightless bird native to New Zealand, the kiwi. The bird was considered a symbol of New Zealand, and the soldiers would use the term to refer to the country's inhabitants.
2. Another theory is that the term "Kiwi" was popularized by a New Zealand soldier named Charles Chilton, who wrote a song called "The Kiwi" in 1908. The song became popular in New Zealand and helped to spread the term "Kiwi" as a nickname for people from the country.
3. Some people believe that the term "Kiwi" was actually coined by New Zealanders themselves, as a way to refer to themselves in a playful and affectionate manner. The kiwi bird is a beloved national symbol in New Zealand, and the term "Kiwi" may have been adopted as a way to express national pride and identity.

Regardless of its origins, the term "Kiwi" has become an official nickname for people from New Zealand, and is widely used around the world. It's often used in a variety of contexts, from sports teams to cultural events, and is a source of national pride for many New Zealanders.