Story: Tāwhirimātea – the weather

Kōwhai in bloom

Kōwhai in bloom

A tūī sits in a kōwhai tree, whose beautiful blossom heralds the arrival of spring. Light showers during spring are known as ‘ua kōwhai’ (kōwhai rain), referring to the flowering of the tree at this time.

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How to cite this page:

Basil Keane, 'Tāwhirimātea – the weather - The seasons', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8263/kowhai-in-bloom (accessed 17 April 2024)

Story by Basil Keane, published 12 Jun 2006, updated 1 Mar 2022