INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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The term "Kiwi" is derived from the name of a New Zealand bird
A New Zealand woman has unsuccessfully argued that she was a victim of racial discrimination after being labelled a "Kiwi" by her colleagues
in Australia.Julie Savage said she was disrespected when her boss and co-workers referred to her as "Kiwi" instead of her name.However an
Australian tribunal ruled that she had not suffered unfair treatment or discrimination at work.A judge noted that the term was commonly used
by New Zealanders themselves."Calling a New Zealander a 'Kiwi' is not of itself offensive
'Kiwi' is not an insult," said Judge Leonie Farrell.She added that the word was often viewed as a "term of endearment".It is derived from
the name of a flightless bird native to the country.Ms Savage said the issue had prompted her to resign from her job as a supervisor at
Vili's Cakes, a bakery in Adelaide, in 2016.She later lodged a complaint with the South Australian Employment Tribunal.But it found no
evidence that discrimination laws had been violated."[She] did not allege that she suffered unfavourable treatment in respect of the terms
of her employment, lack of progression or segregation," Ms Farrell said."At its core [her complaint] is not about racism."The bakery's
owner, Vili Milisits, told local media that the "right outcome" had been reached.
