Cloak gifted to Nelson by Te Arikinui

“Ma te huruhuru te manu ka rere”
By her feathers, a bird may fly

In 2005 a ceremonial cloak was gifted to the people of Nelson by Māori queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangi Kaahu when she visited during the Trafalgar 200 commemorations and opening of the wharekai at Whakatu Marae. Her private secretary, Taini Rutene, sent the following description that explains the significance of the cloak, called “Ma te huruhuru te manu ka rere.”

This little feather cloak, or kakahu, is a symbol of the aroha and admiration of the people of Waikato Tainui for their faraway kin who have settled in the Nelson region, and recognises the warm hospitality of that city and its community. It is also recognition of the potential in continuing such relationships, thus the phrase cited above which means, “By her feathers, a bird may fly.”

“Ma te huruhuru te manu ka rere” was made by a student of the Rangihinemutu Korowai Wananga of the Waikato.

According to Maori tradition, a cloak is much more than a garment. It is a metaphor for friendship, support, and protection. For example, in ancient times, during battle, a prisoner could be saved from death by someone from the victorious side placing his or her own cloak across the prisoner’s shoulders. Such a gesture gave the favoured prisoner new life, and new hope.

In contemporary times, the kakahu is worn at weddings, graduation ceremonies, and other important rites of passage. Finally, they adorn the casket when someone passes from this life to the next.

The kakahu is also seen, in this miniature form, at the very beginning of a life’s journey, at the baptism and christenings of new-born babies. Their welcoming into the family is celebrated, and they are honoured by being enfolded in little cloaks just like this one so that “ma te huruhuru, te manu ka rere.”