New Zealand Medallion Series - Kiwi

New Zealand is a place that combines beautiful native forests with endless beaches, snow clad mountain ranges and unique geothermal activity, all of which can now be taken home. The Medallion Series features iconic Kiwi landmarks, attractions, plants and birds that make New Zealand the unique place it is. Containing a stunning coloured medallion, the series also features beautiful images along with interesting facts and information.

About the Design

The Kiwi is a well known native bird which has become an international icon for New Zealand.

Because the Kiwi is an endangered, semi-nocturnal and secretive bird, few New Zealanders have ever seen it in the wild. Primarily living in native bush, the kiwi is a flightless bird which grows to around the size of a domestic fowl. Using its excellent sense of smell and long flexible bill, the Kiwi feeds on grubs, seeds and leaves.

Kiwis tend to live in pairs for their entire lives. In spring, one to two eggs will be laid weighing up to one quarter of their mothers weight. These are then incubated by the father until they hatch at 11 weeks. The young chick initially survives on a large reserve of yolk within its stomach, after which it is cared for by its father.  

By the late 19^th century the Kiwi was beginning to be used as an emblem by members of the New Zealand military posted overseas. This gained popularity over the following decades, as the Kiwi became a symbol of national identity.