Australia take note; the flightless bird has growing resources and a sharpened beak for October's Four Nations assault.
Some across the ditch have mocked the Kiwi, for its inability to get off the ground.
But Kiwis have spread, infiltrated, Australia's National Rugby League, which led to the Kangaroos' first tournament loss in 27-years (2005 Tri-Nations crown) and the magnificent (shock-horror) World Cup triumph in 2008, and now a crop oozing talent, belief and maturity – has risen.
The Kiwis and the Kangaroos have met twice in the last year; a raw and depleted New Zealand side fell 12-18 in the wet Melbourne ANZAC Test in May, but in last year's Four Nations, Australia escaped with a fortuitous 20-all draw with a last minute face-saving Cameron Smith converted try.
In each of those games, New Zealand was minus the big, destructive Manu Vatuvei – now there's one Kiwi who can fly.
Vatuvei's influence is immense. He's built like a front-rower, yet inhabits the wing. The 24-year-old 'Beast' has scored 11 tries in 17 Tests, and his presence alone strikes fear in the opposition.
Given a month to bond, the Kiwis' environment is like none other. Their best performances come from tournament arenas, not the one-off mid-year Tests where preparation is minimal at best and UK players no longer invited.
Unlike Papua New Guinea and France, England can threaten but their Super League holds them back, just ask Sam Burgess and Gareth Ellis why they left.
Reasons to hold expectations:
Start with 'the magician' Kiwis captain Benji Marshal, casually scoring a hat-trick, setting up others and kicking the goals to boot, all while leading the Tigers to second in the NRL.
Consider Roosters centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall, another three-try hero and the NRL's equal-fourth try-scorer with Vatuvei on 18 this season, having to compete with Manly hit-man Steve Matai, Newcastle's Junior Sa'u, and Vatuvei's right-hand-man Jerome Ropati and the depth of talent becomes a reality.
Isaac Luke, second only behind Smith in international No.9s, will lead a dangerous dual-hooking combination with Warriors rake Aaron Heremaia – who's come from nowhere this year.
There's a breed of young, exuberant hard-nosed forwards eyeing a crack at Eden Park as well.
This crew flaunts fearless-power with finesse that comprises the modern-age footy pack; Sam Rapira, Roy Asotasi, Frank Pritchard, Greg Eastwood, Jeremy Smith, Adam Blair, Ben Matulino, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Lewis Brown, Simon Mannering, Fuifui Moimoi, Bronson Harrison, Sika Manu, Russell Packer and Frank-Paul Nuuausala.
Throw in the exciting utility value of Alex Glenn, Kieran Foran, Lance Hohaia and Nathan Fein and the once invincible Aussies don't look so daunting (barring the Kiwis' inevitable injuries and suspensions).
The red-hot-favourite-Kangaroos are always stacked with stars, some of whom are aging. Steve Price has retired and Darren Lockyer is nearing the end of a legendary career, in body not mind.
Add Israel Folau's AFL exit, Greg Inglis' shoulder surgery and Johnathan Thurston is also in doubt, and there's real cause for concern across the ditch.
With all but the final played in Aotearoa, Stephen Kearney's Four Nations side could be New Zealand league's answer to Richard Pearse – the world-first Kiwi to fly.
Possible Kiwis lineup:
1. Lance Hohaia, 2. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 3. Junior Sa'u, 4. Steve Matai, 5. Manu Vatuvei, 6. Benji Marshal (c), 7. Kieran Foran/Nathan Fein, 8. Sam Rapira, 9. Isaac Luke, 10. Roy Asotasi, 11. Simon Mannering, 12. Adam Blair, 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: Frank Pritchard, Greg Eastwood, Ben Matulino, Aaron Heremaia/Nathan Fein
18th man: Alex Glenn