MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 October 1938, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

MORE BIRDS. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) There are 38 varieties of indigenous birds in New Zealand and probably many others have become extinct in past ages, more especially among the wingless ones which had lost the power of flight through the absence of animal enemies. Many have a very limited power of wing, such as the kokako, huia, and others. The most prominent of those which cannot fly are the kiwi, kakapo, woodhen, and the flightless duck of the Auckland Isles. It cannot be that the migratory birds leave here in search of food, of which our forests have plenty. The Koekoea (long-tailed cuckoo) flies to New Guinea 2000 miles, with few resting places. It is more like a native of the tropics, so may claim that sultry land as its home, and as a visitor to us in search of food. For centuries past, year after year, our kuaka (godwit) has been seen abroad on the way to and from Siberia. Many were the theories as to its unknown home. This was the bird that inspired and guided the Maori migration to New Zealand. So the kuaka may claim to have been our “discoverer” long before the Maori, Tasman, or Cook. They leave the same spot in the North, year after year,’ in parties, evidently with some purpose as to accommodation and food at each wharau (temporary rest) en route. Unlike this regular massed departure, they return in scattered long drawn lines over broken intervals. They were a favoured Maori food.

The hawks (kahu, kaiaia, and karearea) were bold and savage enemies to slow and wingless birds.