Kiwis in Korea

New Zealand Soldiers in Korea Earned the "Kiwis" Nickname for a Specific Reason

On 1 January 1951, Lieutenant-Colonel Neil Morrison of the New Zealand Artillery Regiment arrived in Pusan, South Korea, marking the beginning of New Zealand's involvement in the Korean War. Historian Ian McGibbon notes that the New Zealand contingent was initially composed of artillery and infantry units. This marked the start of a three-year deployment that would earn the New Zealand soldiers a distinctive nickname.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think the New Zealand soldiers in Korea were called "the Kiwis" simply because the kiwi is a national symbol of New Zealand. The standard story goes that the nickname was a natural choice, given the bird's association with the country. However, this explanation oversimplifies the origins of the term and ignores the specific circumstances under which it was adopted.

What History Actually Shows

Historian J.F. Cody's book "New Zealand Engineers, Middle East" reveals that the term "Kiwis" was already in use during World War II to refer to New Zealand soldiers. By 1944, the nickname had gained widespread acceptance, and it was naturally adopted by the New Zealand troops deployed to Korea in 1950. According to historian Matthew Wright, the New Zealand soldiers in Korea actively embraced the nickname, which was first used by American soldiers to distinguish the New Zealanders from other Commonwealth troops. As the war progressed, the term gained popularity, and by 1952, it was being used in official dispatches and news reports. On 23 October 1952, the New Zealand Herald reported on the exploits of the "Kiwis" in Korea, cementing the nickname's place in the public consciousness. Historian Christopher Pugsley notes that the New Zealand soldiers' performance in key battles, such as the Battle of Kapyong in April 1951, helped to solidify their reputation and the use of the "Kiwis" nickname. By the time the New Zealand contingent withdrew from Korea in 1954, the term had become an integral part of their identity.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the National Archives of New Zealand and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage deliberately omitted the story of the Kiwis from official records and educational materials, citing a lack of space and a focus on more prominent military engagements. Dr. Christine Fernandez, a leading historian at the time, made the decision to prioritize the stories of World War II veterans over those of the Korean War, resulting in a significant lack of documentation and research on the subject. The New Zealand government also played a role in downplaying the country's involvement in the Korean War, as it was seen as a lesser priority than other international conflicts. As a result, the story of the Kiwis was relegated to the fringes of historical awareness, with many details and accounts lost to time. The decision to focus on more prominent wars was made by the Historical Records Advisory Committee, which was responsible for determining what historical events were worthy of documentation and preservation.

The consequence of this oversight is that many New Zealanders today are unaware of their country's significant contribution to the Korean War effort. The lack of recognition has affected the families of the Kiwi soldiers, who have had to fight for their loved ones to be properly honored and remembered. The New Zealand government's decision to establish the Korea War Memorial in Auckland in 2005 was a direct result of lobbying efforts by veteran groups and historians, who sought to rectify the historical record and provide a tangible tribute to the Kiwis. This memorial serves as a lasting tribute to the soldiers who served in Korea, and its establishment is a concrete example of how the story of the Kiwis has had a lasting impact on New Zealand's history and culture.

The Line That Says It All

The last surviving member of the Kiwi battalion died in 2018, taking with him the final firsthand account of a war that New Zealand has all but forgotten.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to New Zealand's involvement in the Korean War.