ArenaNet:International cultural references/New Zealand

International cultural references
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I puzzled over the cultural reference question for days before it finally occured to me which one I should be writing about. Number eight wire (alternately known as number eight fencing wire) is a reference to kiwi ingenuity and resourcefulness, thinking outside the box and inventiveness. The term is ambiguous and can be applied to such things as making a temporary repair to a complex machine with some low tech junk lying around or a reference to the general, "No worries mate - we'll sort it out one way or another," attitude that runs strong in this country. The term is sometimes also used to illustrate the often primative and/or temporary nature of certain kinds of solutions.

Evidently the number eight wire attitude came about because of New Zealand's isolation and the resulting need to come up with solutions to complex problems, often with limited resources. I have a hard time trying to explain it myself, but I'll offer up a movie reference that shows it off to good effect I think: The World's Fastest Indian. WarBlade 10:44, 24 November 2007 (UTC)

Ha ha ha ha warblade, ive decided i will be nice and not mention any other cultural references us aussies have for Kiwis :P Crazy 01:06, 25 November 2007 (UTC)

After I mentioned "The World's Fastest Indian" the idea of a Guild Wars style version of the movie's real life protagonist Burt Munro started growing on me. A friendly, patient and driven Asura using cast-off parts from other machines to build something comparable to Munroe's Indian motorcycle and set land speed records with it would be awesome to see! -- WarBlade 07:21, 3 December 2007 (UTC)

As I read the first part of what you were writing, WarBlade, I was thinking "Asura" too! Neat idea. :) -- Gaile 03:19, 24 December 2007 (UTC)

i love that movie.. it's just so good :p ^Teo^ 09:15, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

Gumboots

If it weren't for your gumboots, where would ya be?
You'd be in the hospital or infirmary
'coz you would have a dose of the 'flu, or even pleurisy
If ya didn't have yer feet in yer gumboots.

Now there's rugby boots and racing boots, and boots for drinkin' rum.
But the only boots I'm never without, are the ones that start with "gum".
I've got short ones and long ones, and some up to me belt.
I'm never dressed 'till I've got on me gumboots.

Whenever I sing at the opera, my gumboots are a must.
They help me hit the high notes, and protect me feet from dust.
They keep the water well away, so me voice won't get no rust.
You will not never see me without me gumboots.

Now (names of current unpopular politicians), they haven't made a hit.
They're ruining the country, more than just a bit.
If they keep on how they're going, we'll all be in turd.
So you'd better get yer feet up yer gumboots.

Misery 13:35, 14 October 2008 (UTC)

NOOOOOooooo! You missed out the first verse of the world famous Gumboot Song! :( Fred Dagg's timeless classic is barely standing on one boot without the first verse! -- WarBlade 14:39, 14 October 2008 (UTC)