The kingfisher is a common bird found throughout New Zealand that holds cultural significance for the indigenous Māori people. Known as kōtare in Māori, the kingfisher has long been an important symbol in Māori mythology and culture. This article will explore the various meanings and symbolism associated with the kingfisher in New Zealand.
The Kingfisher in Māori Mythology
In Māori mythology, the kingfisher is featured prominently in various legends and stories. One of the most well-known stories describes how the kingfisher got its rattling cry. According to legend, the demigod Māui wanted to grant the gift of fire to humans. He persuaded the goddess Mahuika, the guardian of fire, to give him her fingernails to provide ongoing flames. But each time Māui lit a fire with her nails, Mahuika would extinguish it. Finally, Mahuika realized Māui’s deception and refused to light any more fires. In anger, Māui threw Mahuika into a stream, but her fingernails continued to burn beneath the water. It is said that the rattling call of the kingfisher mimics the sound of Mahuika’s burning fingernails flickering under the water.
Another legend tells of how the kingfisher got its blue and white plumage. One story says that the kingfisher was originally a dreary colored bird. But the gods Tāne and Tangaroa decided to grant the kingfisher beautiful new feathers. Tāne colored its back and wings with his prized kura feathers while Tangaroa painted its front white with sea foam.
Cultural Significance for Māori
Beyond mythology, the kingfisher holds important meaning in Māori culture. Its blue and white plumage resembles traditional Māori art colors and patterns. The kingfisher frequently appears as a design motif in Māori wood carvings, weaving, and tattoos. The kingfisher is also meaningful to Māori for its fishing skills. Māori traditionally studied the kingfisher to understand fishing techniques and passed down this knowledge over generations.
The kingfisher also signifies certain values in Māori culture. Its solitary nature represents independence and resourcefulness. Its patience in hunting symbolizes focus and precision. And its vibrant plumage embodies beauty and pride. Specific Māori proverbs reference the kingfisher, such as:
- “Ka pēwhea te kōtare i kake ai? Mā te aha, mā te aha, ki te māpuna wai, ki te māpuna wai. How does the kingfisher ascend? Gradually, gradually, to the summit of the waters.” This proverb emphasizes perseverance and incremental progress towards goals.
- “E kore e ngaro te kākāriki i te kōtare. The parakeet is never lost to the kingfisher.” This conveys that the weak will always fall prey to the strong.
As a National Symbol
The kingfisher is one of New Zealand’s most iconic avian species. Its significance led it to be featured prominently on the country’s five cent coin from 1967 to 1990. The kingfisher has served as the emblem for various national organizations, including New Zealand Rugby League. And it remains a popular image in Kiwiana pop culture found on souvenirs, clothing, and artworks.
Kingfisher Species in New Zealand
New Zealand is home to three endemic kingfisher species:
- North Island kōtare (Todiramphus sanctus vagans) – Found throughout the North Island and northern coastal regions of the South Island.
- South Island kōtare (Todiramphus sanctus vagans) – Occurs only on the South Island.
- Chatham Island kōtare (Todiramphus sanctus vagans) – Restricted to the Chatham Islands archipelago about 800 km east of mainland New Zealand.
There are also two native kingfisher species that periodically migrate to New Zealand:
- Sacred kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) – Summers in New Zealand after migrating from eastern Australia, Tasmania, and islands of the southwestern Pacific
- Beach kingfisher (Todiramphus tutus) – Rare vagrant from Australia and islands to the north
| Species | Conservation Status |
|---|---|
| North Island kōtare | Not Threatened |
| South Island kōtare | Declining |
| Chatham Island kōtare | Nationally Vulnerable |
| Sacred kingfisher | Not Threatened |
| Beach kingfisher | Vagrant |
Threats and Conservation
The kingfisher faces a variety of threats in New Zealand. Habitat loss from deforestation and development pressures their survival. Predation from invasive mammals like rats, stoats, and cats also hamper kingfisher breeding success. The species gains protection under the Wildlife Act 1953 prohibiting hunting or harm. And conservation programs strive to control predators and restore forest habitats.
Of particular concern is the Chatham Island subspecies with an estimated population under 1000 birds. Its restricted range on the remote Chatham Islands makes it vulnerable to extinction. Conservation efforts for the Chatham Island kōtare have included captive breeding, predator control, and habitat protection. In 2016, the species saw improved fortunes when its threat ranking improved from Nationally Critical to Nationally Vulnerable.
Cultural Revival
As Māori culture undergoes a revival in modern New Zealand, so too has the traditional significance of the kingfisher. Use of kingfisher motifs and designs has grown across Māori arts. Knowledge about kingfisher fishing techniques sees renewed interest. And te reo Māori proverbs referencing the kingfisher remain a vital oral tradition.
This cultural revival recently sparked a movement to change New Zealand’s national bird emblem from the kiwi to the kingfisher. Proponents argue the kingfisher better encapsulates Māori heritage compared to the kiwi which lacks traditional meaning. But critics counter that the kiwi remains an appropriate symbol as an endemic species found only in New Zealand. The debate symbolizes the larger ongoing discussion around revitalizing Māori culture and knowledge within New Zealand society.
Conclusion
The kingfisher holds a special place in New Zealand as an iconic bird intertwined with indigenous identity. Its extensive history in Māori mythology and culture give it profound meaning. As a frequent motif in arts and oral tradition, the kingfisher signifies important values like fortitude, precision, and beauty.
Today, active threats require conservation efforts to ensure the kingfisher remains a part of New Zealand’s natural heritage. And amidst a cultural renaissance, traditional Māori associations with the kingfisher see renewed appreciation. This bright feathered bird will continue to enchant Kiwis with its rattling cry and remind them of the ancient wisdom of their Māori ancestors.
