Kerer? and M?ori

M?ori have had a long and lasting relationship with kerer? that continues today. Kerer? were abundant and widely distributed in pre-human times so when M?ori arrived, most iwi (tribes) in the North Island, and South Island, Chatham and Stewart Island hapu (sub-tribes) developed a relationship with our native pigeon that not only consisted of a physical dependence but also a strong spiritual and emotional connection.

Certain iwi - especially Ng? Puhi, Ng?ti Hine, T?hoe, Ng?ti Raukawa, Ng?ti Porou, Ng?ti T?wharetoa, Whanganui, Te Atiawa, and Ng?i Tahu - have a strong connection to kerer? . The kerer? features regularly in M?ori tribal lore and myths.