The Māori traditionally believed that kiwi were under the protection of Tane Mahuta, god of the forest.
They were used as food and their feathers were used for kahu kiwi—ceremonial cloaks.
Today, while kiwi feathers are still used, they are gathered from birds that die naturally, through road accidents, predation, or from captive birds.
Kiwi are no longer hunted and some Māori consider themselves the birds' guardians.
The Māori traditionally believed that kiwi were under the protection of Tane Mahuta, god of the forest. They were used as food and their feathers were used for kahu kiwi—ceremonial cloaks. Today, while kiwi feathers are still used, they are gathered from birds that die naturally, through road accidents, predation, or from captive birds. Kiwi are no longer hunted and some Māori consider themselves the birds' guardians.
Kiwi