11 Ways To Talk About Money Like A Kiwi

New Zealanders most often use the term “bucks” to describe New Zealand dollars.

This is by far the most common and widely used slang term for money in New Zealand.

However, there are plenty of other informal terms, from “gold coins” for one and two-dollar coins to “kiwi” for the one-dollar coin.

Larger denominations also have their own nicknames, such as “tenner” for a ten-dollar note and “hundo” for a hundred-dollar note.

For the most part, you won’t need much more than “bucks” in everyday conversation, as it’s used by just about everyone for any amount of money.

However, if you want to sound like a true Kiwi, there are a few other slang terms worth knowing.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common New Zealand slang words for money.

New Zealand Slang For Money

Bucks

“Bucks” is the most widely used slang term for money in New Zealand.

It’s an informal way of referring to dollars and can be used for any amount, from a single dollar to large sums.

The term is not unique to New Zealand—many English-speaking countries, including Australia and the U.S., also use “bucks” to mean money.

The origin of “bucks” as slang for money is often traced back to the days when buckskins were used as a form of trade in early America.

Over time, the term spread to other countries, including New Zealand, where it has become a common way to refer to money in everyday conversation.

An Edmund

“An Edmund” is a casual slang term for a ten-dollar note in New Zealand.

This term originates from the fact that Sir Edmund Hillary, a New Zealand national hero, is featured on the ten-dollar note.

The term is used informally and lightheartedly when referring to this specific denomination of currency.

It’s not as widely known outside of New Zealand, but it is a fun and somewhat cheeky way to refer to ten dollars, especially among younger generations or in casual conversations about money.

Fiver

“Fiver” is a widely recognized slang term for a five-dollar or five-pound note.

In New Zealand, it’s often used to refer to the five-dollar note specifically, which features a portrait of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings.

The term is used in casual contexts and is common among people of all ages.

“Fiver” is a go-to term when you want to refer to a five-dollar note in an informal, friendly manner, and it’s used widely in everyday conversations about money, especially when talking about small amounts of cash.

Funds

“Funds” is a broader term used to refer to money, especially when it’s available for a specific purpose.

While it’s not necessarily a slang term, it’s commonly used in informal situations and can be applied to both large and small amounts of money.

It can refer to the money you have on hand, or money that is set aside for a specific project or activity.

In New Zealand, “funds” is often used casually to describe money in a general sense, whether for day-to-day spending or in specific contexts like fundraising, business expenses, or personal savings.

Fiddy

“Fiddy” is a colloquial term used in New Zealand (and other countries with dollar-based currencies) to refer to a fifty-dollar note.

It’s a casual, playful take on the number 50 and is often used in informal conversations about money.

While “fifty” is the proper term, “fiddy” adds a bit of personality and can make the conversation feel lighter and more fun.

The term is common in everyday speech, especially when discussing smaller amounts of cash or when negotiating for something in a more relaxed way.

It’s also used similarly across different slang terms for money, adding a casual vibe to financial talk.

Gold Coins

“Gold coins” is a playful term used in New Zealand to refer to the one-dollar and two-dollar coins.

The term likely originates from the widely known practice of a “gold coin donation,” which is common in schools and public events where a small donation is made using these coins.

While the coins themselves aren’t gold, the color of the coins—shiny and gold-toned—likely led to the adoption of this nickname.

This slang term is widely understood and is often used in a light-hearted or humorous context.

Though it’s not as commonly used as “bucks,” it’s still familiar to most New Zealanders and adds a bit of charm when talking about smaller sums of money.

Grand

“Grand” is a slang term commonly used to refer to one thousand dollars in New Zealand (and in many other English-speaking countries).

This term is often used when discussing larger sums of money and is usually associated with cash transactions, particularly when dealing with higher amounts.

It’s a quick and casual way of referencing a thousand-dollar note or a sum of money that adds up to that amount.

While it’s not unique to New Zealand, the use of “grand” is very common, and it’s understood by most New Zealanders to mean $1,000.

This term is often used in a variety of contexts, whether someone is talking about the price of something expensive or discussing a personal budget.

Hundo

“Hundo” is a casual, informal slang term for one hundred dollars.

It’s often used when talking about money in a more laid-back or conversational tone, particularly when referring to a hundred-dollar note or a sum of money amounting to $100.

It’s a short and easy-to-say version of the word “hundred” and is commonly used in both New Zealand and other English-speaking countries.

While “hundo” is mostly used in casual settings, it’s recognized in everyday speech and is particularly popular among younger generations.

The term is flexible and can be used in a variety of situations when referring to a hundred dollars, especially when discussing purchases, debts, or savings.

Kiwi

“Kiwi” is a colloquial term used in New Zealand to refer to the one-dollar coin.

While it may seem unusual at first, this term is widely used by Kiwis to describe the small, iconic coin that is a regular part of their currency.

The name “Kiwi” comes from the national bird of New Zealand, which is a symbol of the country itself, and is often used as a nickname for New Zealanders.

The use of “Kiwi” to describe the one-dollar coin highlights a sense of national pride and identity.

The term is playful and informal, often used in casual settings, and is easily understood by locals.

Although it’s not as commonly used by tourists, it’s an important part of New Zealand slang.

Kiwi Dollar

The “Kiwi dollar” is the informal, casual name for the New Zealand dollar.

The term “Kiwi” is widely used to refer to the currency and has become synonymous with New Zealand’s national identity.

While “Kiwi dollar” is not an official term, it is commonly used in banking circles and by the general public to refer to the New Zealand dollar.

The term “Kiwi” can also be used on its own to describe the currency, such as when talking about exchange rates or discussing international transactions.

It’s part of the broader use of “Kiwi” as a nickname for things related to New Zealand, stemming from the country’s national bird.

Tenner

The term “tenner” is commonly used to refer to a ten-dollar note.

In New Zealand, it is often used in everyday conversations and is part of the country’s rich slang vocabulary for money.

The term is widely understood and used across different age groups and regions.

While “tenner” is informal, it is universally understood by those familiar with New Zealand’s currency slang.

It’s a common term for handling smaller amounts of money, especially when talking about paying for goods or services.