The Titi Islands

Te Ao Hou, September 1968, Page 21

The Titi Islands by T. V. Saunders Off the southern-most coast of Rakiura (Stewart) Island, are the titi (mutton-bird) islands. The islands are protected by the Government of New Zealand for the use of those natives of the Ngaitahu (South Island) tribe who are shareholders, and have legal rights to go on the islands and catch mutton-birds. The law governing the islands defines that only shareholders and their families are permitted to land and catch the luscious and palatable titi, which is a member of the shearwater family. The only way non-members are permitted on the islands to participate in catching titi is by marrying into these families. I regard the mutton-bird islands as the perfect dream-haven—a paradise set in the blue waters of the southern-most part of the Pacific Ocean, with the trees' foliage in places bowing and dipping to pay homage to the sparkling waters lapping the shores of nature's bounteous gift to mankind. Amidst all the splendour of this garden of Eden, are the haunts of many of our native birds; the bell bird (mako-mako) whose song is remarkably bell-like in tone; the saddle-back (tieke) which is noted for the chestnut-like saddle over its back with its glossy bluish-black body feathers; and the woodhen (weka), a large flightless bird belonging to the rail family. Its plumage is mainly brown and black. The weka is a very tasty eating bird.*The weka is now a protected bird, and must not be trapped or eaten. The method of trapping described by Mr Saunders was used over 50 years ago. It is a very inquisitive customer and will carry off anything that glitters, such as empty tins, etc., which have been thrown out on the rubbish heap. Good sport can be had snaring the weka. Two long rods or poles are needed. A piece of rag is fastened to one end of one rod, and a slip noose on one end of the other. A leaf or blade of grass is needed to whistle for the weka. When it hears the whistle it promptly makes haste to investigate what it's all about. When the weka appears, the rod with the rag on is wriggled about on the ground. The weka immediately attacks the rag and the noose is easily placed over its head and hey presto the weka is an easy prey for the pot.