An Australian court has judged that describing a New Zealander as a "Kiwi" is not discriminatory. A worker filed a complaint against a bakery where her colleagues nicknamed her "Kiwi". She said the term "Kiwi" was racial discrimination, insulting and disrespectful. An employment tribunal did not agree and dismissed her complaint. The bakery owner said the term "Kiwi" was one that New Zealanders were proud of. He said New Zealand's government openly approves of the term. He said it is used as "a term of endearment and as a means of identifying as a New Zealander".
The tribunal ruled that calling a New Zealander a Kiwi was not offensive or insulting. The judge said Ms Savage, "did not allege that she suffered unfavourable treatment,...lack of progression or segregation". An equal opportunity commissioner acted on Ms Savage's behalf. She said: "If someone takes particular offence at that nickname...and says they don't like it and asked not to be called that anymore, then in a respectful workplace,...you wouldn't call them that anymore." The bakery owner said he employs "every nationality known to man" and is not a racist.
