Hūia, n. 1. Heteralocha acutirostris, a somewhat rare bird, the tail feathers of which are prized as ornaments. He huia rere uru (M. 182). Huianui, albatross.
2. Feathers of the huia. Maka iho te kotuku, te huia, hei whakapaipai mona (T. 138).
3. Figuratively, anything much prized. Frequently in expression huia kaimanawa. E hoa ma, puritia mai taku huia (Sh.T. 170). Haere ra, e te wai o aku kamo, hei hari korero atu ki te huia kaimanawa (Sh.T. 170).
Williams Dictionary
