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Story: Ngā manu – birds

Spotted shag

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Spotted shag

This kawau pāteketeke (spotted shag) is at Little Akaloa, Banks Peninsula. The bird extends its neck as it prepares for flight. The saying ‘Ka mārō te kakī o te kawau’ (the neck of the shag is stiffened) refers to a column of men prepared to meet their enemies with a haka (war dance).

Using this item

Natural Sciences Image Library of New Zealand

Reference: DSCI1401Smd.JPG

by Peter E. Smith

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How to cite this page

Kelly Keane, Ngā manu – birds – Sayings, metaphors and stories, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12171/spotted-shag (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Kelly Keane, published 1 March 2009, updated 17 February 2015.