MPs served Kererū at hui

A number of MPs served Kereru at an iwi leaders’ hui in the central North Island two years ago.
Iwi leaders and MPs Amy Adams, Nathan Guy and Tariana Turia were all served the bird a report has just found.
The kererū is a protected species under the Wildlife Act.
A spokesperson for the marae in Ohakune said between three and five birds had been handed to them by the Department of Conservation.
Marae spokesperson Che Wilson said the feathers were used for weaving, while the bodies were saved for a special occasion.
He said the kererū were mixed with chicken and miromiro berries and served as part of the hakari (feast).
Ngāti Maniapoto leader Tom Roa said he gladly took part in eating the kererū and said he did it knowing that his relations at the marae would also be cognisant of their responsibilities regarding the sustainability of the resource.
The iwi leaders’ forum was held in 2013 and it is believed around 40 iwi leaders attended, along with the three ministers.
There have been 56 prosecutions for possession and hunting of protected species since 1987.
The Department of Conservation said in a statement that there were provisions in the Wildlife Act to authorise the possession of dead birds for cultural purposes, such as using feathers for cloak weaving or bones to make tā moko instruments.