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Story: Kōrero taiao

Toroa (albatross)

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Toroa (albatross)

The down of the toroa (albatross) was rolled into a ball and worn as an ear ornament. Its dazzling whiteness gave rise to the saying 'Me te pōhoi toroa tērā, pūaho ana' (like the intensely white down of an albatross).

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10031795

by C. J. R. Robertson

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How to cite this page

Basil Keane, Kōrero taiao – Sayings and proverbs from the natural world, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/8895/toroa-albatross (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 1 March 2009.