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Story: Petrels

Muttonbirding

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Muttonbirding

Sooty shearwater chicks (muttonbirds) were an important food for Māori and are still harvested each year from certain sites, according to a system of inherited rights.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10044899

by J. O'Brien

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How to cite this page

Kerry-Jayne Wilson, Petrels – Petrels, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/8570/muttonbirding (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Kerry-Jayne Wilson, published 2 March 2009.