Preamble

If there’s one thing that being away from home makes you realize, it’s the importance of the country you grew up, and much of your character is defined by pure geographical happenstance. You don’t realise how much the place you were raised has an integral hold on your persona until you move away into an alien environment, where every cultural difference prompts an appreciation for the way thing are done back in EnZed.

Friends of mine in other countries are always surprised by my complete conviction that I will always end up back in New Zealand, no matter how well my life is going elsewhere, both personally and professionally. I think many, if not most kiwis share this desire, and in my head, I don’t see myself settling down and raising children anywhere else, because I wouldn’t want my children to know anything other than growing up with walks down to the dairy in jandals, to pick up lollies and ice-blocks, only to return home for some sausages cooked on the barbie, lathered in tomato sauce.

What follows is a item-by-item breakdown of particular pieces of Kiwiana (although I hate that word), from the mundane to the obvious. Suggestions and comments are welcomed.