Aussie or Kiwi? It's all academic

From pavlova to Phar Lap, the Aussie habit of nicking Kiwi icons is well known.

Now researchers are probing the unique relationship between the two countries, including their long-running rivalry.

The Centre for Australian New Zealand Studies was started by 25 academics with links to New Zealand.

Based at Wollongong University in New South Wales, it will study cultural, economic and social links between the countries.

Over the years the racehorse Phar Lap, band Crowded House, comic Fred Dagg and even pavlova have all been claimed by Australia, to the dismay of Kiwis.

However, the trans-Tasman relationship was largely affectionate, Wollongong University commerce professor Shirley Leitch said. "It's an incredibly friendly relationship. I'm a New Zealander living in Australia, and I've found they have no problems welcoming Kiwis."

The countries "shared" New Zealand's best-loved exports, she said. "Half of their sports stars are originally from New Zealand, and of course our horses come over and win their big races at a great rate."

Other Kiwi exports were not as readily claimed by their homeland. "There was the notorious former Queensland premier Jo Bjelke-Petersen, who was born in Dannevirke."

New Zealanders loved to claim Crowded House as their own, but that could be wishful thinking – Neil Finn has described them as a Melbourne band. "Melbourne was the birthplace of Crowded House and was always the town we chose to return to," he said in 2006.

There were signs New Zealand was more important to Australia than vice versa, Professor Leitch said.

"Australian comedy pokes fun at New Zealand quite a lot. It might be a bit like the big brother laughing at the little brother."

The Centre for Australian New Zealand Studies will work closely with Victoria University's Stout Research Centre.

Psychologist Sara Chatwin said the Australasian rivalry was sparked by the countries being so similar.

"While there are a lot of reasons why we should like each other, our similarities also bring up a kind of sibling rivalry."

DITCH BATTLE

Phar Lap: Born in Timaru in 1927 and sold to an Aussie 12 months later. Stole hearts on both sides of the Tasman, winning 37 of his 51 races, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup.

Crowded House: Formed in Melbourne but fronted by Kiwi Neil Finn. Scored a massive hit with Don't Dream it's Over in 1986. Broke up in 1996, re-forming 10 years later.

Pavlova: Fluffy meringue dessert named after ballet dancer Anna Pavlova. Claimed by both countries, but first appeared in a Kiwi recipe book in 1929, six years before it turned up in Australia.

Keith Urban: Country music star who is big in the United States and married to Nicole Kidman. Born in Whangarei in 1967.

Fred Dagg: The creation of New Zealand-born John Clarke, who took his black singlet to Australia in the 1970s.

Russell Crowe: New Zealand-born movie star. Lived in Australia and New Zealand as a child.