Native to New Zealand, the kōwhai (which means ‘yellow’ in Māori) is famous for its spectacular golden flowers, whose blooming signals the arrival of spring. The kiwi is a nocturnal, flightless bird – leading a largely invisible life compared with the kowhai flower. The kiwi is now an endangered species, the victim of mammalian predators and habitat modification and loss. Fortunately, kiwi sanctuaries and conservation programmes are helping to protect this national treasure and encourage the species to breed.
The kowhai is known as New Zealand’s national flower – a reflection not only of its natural beauty but also its role in our cultural heritage. Used traditionally by Māori as a seasonal guide to planting annual kumara (sweet potato) crops, it was also a valued resource for easing pain and treating everything from bruises, wounds and broken limbs to tumours and ringworm. In addition, its hard and durable wood made it eminently suitable for paddles and adzes.