1.  A kiwi is not a fruit – it is New Zealand’s native flightless bird (pictured above) and a slang term for a New Zealander. Kiwis call the fruit “kiwifruit” – they are also known as Chinese Gooseberries.

2.  New Zealand was the first country to have its three top positions of power held simultaneously by women: The Prime Minister (Helen Clark), the Governor General (Dame Silvia Cartwright), and the Chief Justice (Sian Elias).

3.  Famous New Zealanders….Keith Urban, Hayley Westenra, Kiri te Kanawa, Russell Crowe (actually he is technically New Zealand as he was born there  but for some reason has decided to say Australia is home…he actually has Maori heritage no less…)

4.  I guess we must mention the All Blacks….but who knew (unless you love Rugby) that the reason they are called that is because a commentator commented on their kit being “all black”….

5. And the musical award goes to….The music band Split Enz gained international fame in the 1980’s, with some (notably the Finn brothers) later regrouping as Crowded House.

And finally we unleash upon you all the greatest band ever to come from New Zealand….Penknife Glides…..www.penknifeglides.com - purchase A Stab in the Dark from Itunes now….

Happy Maori..xx