Kiwis

How could we leave this beautiful country without discussing the word “Kiwi”? The Kiwi is a strange wingless bird entirely indigenous to New Zealand. It is nocturnal and rather reclusive so it is not very often seen in the wild. However we were able to go to a small habitat for them in Otorohanga. There we were able to see a large Brown Kiwi hunting for insects with his long beak. Here’s a small chick- notice their huge clawed feet!

But that’s not the only Kiwi. There’s also Kiwi fruit.

We had no idea they grew like this! Pickers just walk underneath. Our favorite is the golden kind that taste like a kiwi flavored banana or maybe like a banana flavored Kiwi? Delish!
And there’s another kind of Kiwi.  

There’s the people who refer to themselves as Kiwis-

And they’re the best Kiwis of all! This picture was taken at our branch conference in March and includes a couple of Kiwi-wannabes. We love the mixing of Pakehas (white folk) and Maoris and a couple of Tongans that make up our beautiful group. Oh how we’ll miss them all.  

Kia Ora, Elder and Sister O’Neal