Skip to main content

Story: Chatham Islands

Buff weka

Image
Buff weka

Although weka were only introduced to the Chatham Islands in 1905, they have been prolific and have become popularly recognised as an island mascot and identity. Some Chatham Islanders identify as ‘Wekas’ to distinguish themselves from mainland New Zealand ‘Kiwis’.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10028787

by P. R. Clerke

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page

Rhys Richards, Chatham Islands – Land and habitat, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/37788/buff-weka (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Rhys Richards, published 28 November 2012, updated 1 May 2015.