MOTAT’s new Kiwiana exhibition, Signposts to Godzone opens this month (March 2009). The exhibition gives visitors a slice of Kiwiana through the use of iconic kiwi symbols. In the library we have a number of books that tell the Kiwiana story. One such book that was only recently added to the collection is ‘From Jandals to Jaffas: the best of Kiwiana’ by Richard Wolfe and Stephen Barnett (Auckland: Random House, 2003).

 

The book delves into the history of those New Zealand customs, images and objects that have become icons of New Zealand life.  Exploring all the different aspects of New Zealand popular culture, the book takes a fun look at the different food, objects, clothing, toys, symbols and customs that have formed our national character. Jaffas, Weet-bix, Chesdale cheese, Tip Top ice cream, L&P, Pavlova, Edmonds, Watties, and of course the Kiwifruit are some of the different foods that are discussed. The origins of the iconic kiwi and silver fern symbols are also explored. And it wouldn’t be a book about kiwi culture without mention of Rugby, the Swanndri, the Buzzy Bee and of course Jandals.

 

Cover and Contents page of 'From Jandals to Jaffas'