The Hine Rurus have finally landed!

Come and meet my New Zealand Morepork.

In Maori tradition the Morepork was seen as a watchful guardian/kaitiaki that belonged to the spirit world, and was known as Hine-ruru - the 'owl woman' - with the power to protect, warn and advise.  Hine rurus can be heard in the forest at dusk and throughout the night, and some even like to hang out in the suburbs where there are lots of large trees. As they mature, their voices develop into a haunting, melancholic call.

Moreporks have an acute sense of hearing and superb night vision. Their feathers have serrated edges that reduce turbulence and muffle air sounds - enabling them to fly and glide silently. Their acute hearing, superb night vision and silent flight make them deadly predators. Hine rurus are the perfect kaitiaki to have in your own corner of the world.