What is a Kiwi?

This blog post is the result of a candid conversation over Twitter.  A Singaporean was heading overseas and was wondering how many kiwi she was going to take with her.

I asked her if she meant kiwifruit and she thought I was referring something else.

So I googled "kiwi" and this is what I found.

'Kiwi' is the shortform of Kiwifruit, used in many parts of the world. 

A "Kiwi" is a flightless bird, native only to New Zealand.

"Kiwi" is the nickname used internationally for people from New Zealand.

"Kiwi" is the brand name of a shoe polish, first made in Australia in 1906.

If there are other things "kiwi", feel free to tell us what they are by leaving a comment below.

Singapore Grand Prix Survival Tips

The SingTel Singapore Grand Prix is just around the corner.

Here are a few tips to help you survive the Marina Bay Street Circuit:

Don't forget to purchase a $2 survival kit at the entry gates.  The survival pack containing a poncho and earplugs, with profits going to charity.  Please note that this is a rain or shine event. 

• The climate in Singapore is warm and humid, so make sure you wear comfortable clothing and apply plenty of sunblock if you plan to arrive during the day.
• Travel light.  Remember you'll be walking around when the cars are not racing, and it makes for speedy clearance during security screenings at the gates.
• There's something for everyone within the Circuit Park, from entertainment acts, to thrilling action on the track, F&B and merchandise outlets.  So be sure to put on a good pair of walking shoes.
• Plan ahead.  Click on the following link for the full entertainment line-up and schedules during the Grand Prix weekend.
• Take plenty of cash with you.  Some stores will accept credit cards, but most will probably accept cash.

For safety reasons, the following items are not permitted in the Circuit Park:

• Any large or bulky items
• Corporate or commercial flags or branding
• Laser pointers
• Pets
• Articles prohibited by Singapore law (fireworks, flares, weapons, etc)
• Professional-use audio visual, television or photographic equipment without approved accreditation

Guests are not permitted to bring in their own food and beverages, except for 1 clear plastic bottle of soft drink or mineral water of no more than 600ml per person.

A full list of prohibited items will be available at the entrance of the Circuit Park.

Enjoy the Grand Prix weekend!!!

A Touch of New Zealand Opens in Singapore!

Roughly 22 years ago, Fern and Kiwi was an idea, bounced around the table by two Kiwi blokes, who thought it would be a great idea to open up a New Zealand food and beverage place in Singapore.

On the evening of Wednesday 5 September 2012, that idea became reality, when Fern and Kiwi held its "pre-launch" invitation only event. The actual launch; open to the public, takes place the next day on Thursday 6 September.

When I arrived at the pre-launch, there were flowers lining the front of the establishment. In Singapore, for a grand opening, flowers are delivered to the business, they usually come from the suppliers, the landlord or building owner. The flower displays are to wish the new business success. You could tell by looking at the management and staff the nerves were in full force; like a dress rehearsal before the actual launch day. 

Drinks were of course on offer. There is a selection of New Zealand Beers; Steinlager, Macs Gold and Speights to name a few.  They even have wine on tap!

Kia Ora - Welcome to Fern & Kiwi

A glass of New Zealand bubbly upon arrival

The official part of the evening started off with a Karakia (Maori blessing) by Joe Harawira, who is an international storyteller. A Karakia is said to bless a site.

Joe Harawira

After the Karakia, the New Zealand High Commissioner, His Excellency Peter Hamilton gave an address and cut the ribbon to formally announce the opening of Fern & Kiwi.

New Zealand High Commissioner - HE Peter Hamilton

After the formal part of the evening was done, it was time for us Kiwi's to celebrate. Jason Kerrison, frontman of one of New Zealand's favourite band; Opshop, flew into Singapore especially to join in this special occasion.

Given the chance; get down to Fern and Kiwi at Clarke Quay, and enjoy some Kiwi Style tucker/food. Most of the produce is flown in from New Zealand such as Lamb, Beef, potatoes and even the tomatoes, so the taste buds will be in for a treat!

Here are some more pictures for you to enjoy.

Events are just not the same without promo gals

The bar, with the Greenstone panels

Spiral staircase which leads up to the seated dining area

Where the wonderful New Zealand kai (food) comes from

Some of the artwork / photos you'll see

 Thank you to the Management and Staff for a
wonderful night.

See you again soon!

Flash Mob Haka

Flash Mob - is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a place, perform an unusual and seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire, and artistic expression. Flash mobs are organized via telecommunications, social media, or viral emails.

Haka - is a traditional ancestral war cry, dance or challenge from the Māori people of New Zealand. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. The New Zealand rugby team's practice of performing a haka before their matches has made the dance more widely known around the world. 

It's not everyday in Singapore that you get to witness or be a part of a flash mob Haka.

So, when the new up and coming New Zealand Bar and Eatery, Fern and Kiwi mentioned via Facebook and Twitter that they were organising a flash mob, I knew I had to be there to witness it.

Not long after we arrived, we were all ushered upstairs, where some of the boys from Ta'Moko Lions Rugby Football Club were practicing the Haka moves. I later found out that it only took them a day to learn the moves, and a little longer to learn the Maori words. They did really well, check them out in the video below and see for yourselves.

After about half an hour of practising, we all piled into a bus and headed for Orchard Road, where we did our first flash mob. After Orchard Road, we headed back towards Clarke Quay where we performed our second flash mob to people lining up for goodness knows what!

The third flash mob was done in the fountain at Clarke Quay (see video below).

The fourth and final performance was done at the entrance to the bar and eatery.

Fern and Kiwi opens its doors on Thursday 6 September 2012
at 4:00pm - see you there!!!