Phrases & Expressions · New Zealand slang

Number 8 wire

The DIY, fix-anything-with-what's-lying-around mentality. From the fencing wire that fixed everything on NZ farms.

"Classic number 8 wire solution — held with cable ties and hope."

"Kiwi ingenuity, number 8 wire mentality."

by Bren · reader submitted

Origin & notes

Core NZ national mythology.

Got a better definition?

Reckon we've got it wrong, or your town says it differently? Add your definition of “Number 8 wire” — best ones get published with your name on them.

More phrases & expressions

Look up another word