The thing between Australians and Kiwis

While sitting in my English class in Auckland, we once started talking about the relationship between New Zealand and Australia. It was quite surprising for me, that these two countries that seem to be part of the most exciting and beautiful ones in the world, seem to have an ironical as well as sometimes complicated relationship.

Of course, there was this debate whether the New Zealand flag too much resembles the Australian one, but oh well, there is much more going on.

Fortunately, most things are kind of funny jokes that contrast the Kiwi behaviour to the Australian one. For example, a New Zealand advertisement of a construction market characterises New Zealanders as born do-it-yourselfers in contrast to Australians.

Moreover I was surprised when an Australian used the expression “heaps” that had been introduced to us some weeks ago as a typical Kiwi word. So if Kiwis and Australian share the same slang words, they do not really hate each other, right?

Nevertheless, one of the latest problems Kiwis face regarding Australia are their “difficulties in gaining Australian citizenship.” Michael Horton, a businessman, referred to this issue in an ad that lists all the countries whose citizens can apply for Australian citizenship — except Kiwis who “can no longer apply for Australian citizenship, unless applicants have been permanent residents of Australia prior to 26 February 2001.” So what might be the reason for Australia’s refusal to accept New Zealanders? As it is quite hard to come up with reasons why New Zealand is the only country that is excepted, there seems to be a need to discuss this relationship again.

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