This huia depicts one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive native birds. The huia was recognised by its glossy black plumage, white tipped tail feathers and orange wattles.

The huia held an important place in Māori culture. Its white tipped tail feathers were highly prized, worn by people of high rank as a mark of mana.

Huia became extinct in the early 20th century through habitat loss, introduced predators and increased hunting driven by European demand for their feathers.

This piece ships after 6th Nov 2026. Exclusive to Mountain Jade, this one-off art piece forms part of the 2026 Ngā Tamariki-a-Tāne-Mahuta Collection, celebrating the beauty and character of Aotearoa’s native birds through pounamu and contemporary carving. This collection will be on display in our Rotorua store from Thursday 1st October. Pieces may be purchased throughout the exhibition period but only be shipped once the exhibition concludes on 6th November. Read more.