Taiko on the Chathams
 Massey
researcher Hayley Lawrence was among the guests at the historic
opening of the first marae ever built in recognition of the Moriori
people. She flew to the Chatham Islands for the event on January
21 when Prime Minister Helen Clark opened the Kopinga Marae in a
very moving ceremony with about 1000 people.
Hayley is a PhD student in conservation genetics based at the Allan
Wilson Centre on Albany campus. Her research on the Taiko, one of
the world’s rarest birds, has taken her to the Chatham Islands
three times.
The Taiko was once a significant food source to the Moriori people
in the Chathams but predators have led to a serious decline in numbers.
Hayley is studying the Hokopapa (Whakapapa) of the Taiko or Tchaik
as it is written by the Moriori people, working with both the Department
of Conservation and the Taiko Trust.
She has collected DNA samples to analyse in order to learn more
about this very rare bird and to assist in its conservation. She
also seeks oral history about the birds and their habits from local
people. It is this research that led to her invitation from the
Hokotehi Moriori Trust to attend the opening of the marae.
Created: 31January 2005
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