By Kate Bardsley
The trans-Tasman rivalry often divides Australians and New Zealanders. Despite all of our similarities, things can often get heated between us (especially when it comes to sport). Thanks to the work of two community Facebook groups, London’s Kiwis and Australians are planning to unite for a night of Antipodean laughs.
Starting just over a year ago the Kiwis In London (KIL) page now has nearly 10,000 fans. The page has been set up to help out Kiwis moving to or currently living in London; be it in the way of finding a room, where to get the nearest 42Below Vodka or where the heck you can find Hell’s Pizza, the KIL page has got you covered.
Not content to let the Kiwis have all of the Facebook fun, there is now a page for their Australian cousins called ‘Ozzies In London’ (OIL). The Ozzies In London page also does regular updates intended to bring London’s Australian community together. This includes a weekly Famous Friday Photo Competition which is currently searching for a group dressed in crocodile onesies at the 82,000 capacity Twickenham Stadium at the Rugby 7s last month… talk about slim odds!
The OIL page also keeps its fans updated on cool events in London, where to find a good lamington, the latest from Alf Stewart and some wacky Sunday Roast photos.
Aside from hunting for crocs and pizza the pages also organise monthly drinks where Australians and Kiwis can go and meet new people, enjoy cheap beverages, win prizes and have a good old yarn. Nothing binds the two nations better together than cheap booze and a great night out!
This month’s drinks are being held on Friday 28 June at the Chatsworth in Acton, situated in the shadow of the old Redback Tavern on Acton High Street. The event kicks off from 6pm and upon arrival you’ll be greeted by the people that manage the pages, with Australian pop star Bowie Jane taking the stage from 8pm.
There will also be prizes like festival tickets and My Origin T Shirts for a few lucky punters. Everyone is welcome so make sure you join the event on Facebook and let them know that you are coming. Over three hundred people have RSVP’d to Friday night’s event, so get in early to make sure that you are there to witness the moment when Kiwis and Australians put aside their differences and share a pint.
