Protecting our taonga species, whānau, and te taiao
H5 bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects birds. However, it can also spread to mammals, including people.
It was first detected in New Zealand in July 2026.
H5 bird flu has the potential to affect:
- taonga species – such as endangered native birds
- marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions
- mahinga kai and environmental health
- backyard poultry
- cultural practices using feathers, bones, or other animal materials
- the wellbeing of communities.
Communities are encouraged to identify important species and sites within their rohe and to discuss tikanga to help support an H5 bird flu response.
Bird handling and disposal guidance for Māori communities
As an iwi, hapū, marae, or landowner, you may be the first to see sick or dead birds on your whenua, or in your rohe.
If you see 3 or more sick or dead birds, do not handle or move them – call the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.
It is recommended you:
- keep people and animals away from sick or dead wildlife
- assess risks to water sources, mahinga kai, wildlife, and wāhi tapu
- follow official guidance when making decisions collectively.
Guidance for dealing with sick or dead birds during an H5 bird flu outbreak [PDF, 1.8 MB]
Assessing what cultural practices may be appropriate
You may incorporate tikanga or other cultural practices if you think it is appropriate and can be done safely.
Practices may differ depending on where the H5 bird flu outbreak has occurred and what tikanga, kawa, or other cultural practices are appropriate for your area.
There are many practical disposal options, including burial, council waste services, and landfill disposal.
Rāhui, environmental monitoring, and iwi-to-iwi coordination can help reduce risks and protect both people and our taiao.
Cultural practitioners and toi Māori
Many cultural practices involve close interaction with birds, feathers, bones, marine mammals, and the environments where these species live.
H5 bird flu creates additional health, biosecurity, and environmental considerations for these activities.
We acknowledge that these practices are culturally significant and, in many cases, cannot simply stop.
Instead, there are practical ways to reduce risk. This includes:
- assessing risk during harvesting activities
- protecting harvesters working in remote locations
- safe handling, storage, and treatment of feathers and bones
- reducing contamination risks associated with boats, vehicles, tools, and equipment
- responding to marine mammal strandings and mortality events
- supporting the transfer of knowledge to future generations while adapting to new biosecurity challenges
It is important for Māori communities to explore how cultural practices can be adapted while continuing to uphold tikanga, kaitiakitanga, and cultural responsibilities.
Other useful guidance
He pukapuka aratohu mō ngā hapori Māori (A guide for Māori communities) [PDF, 3.8 MB]
How to report suspected bird flu – fact sheet [PDF, 235 KB]
Staying safe and alert when outdoors
Information for game bird hunters – fact sheet [PDF, 384 KB]
Māori communities are encouraged to consider information contained in the fact sheets alongside their own tikanga and local circumstances.
More detailed guidance containing information from government agencies, scientific knowledge, and drawing on mātauranga Māori will be available soon.
Why we need to work together
H5 bird flu will require communities, iwi, hapū, marae, researchers, local government, and national agencies to work together.
Māori knowledge systems, local environmental knowledge, and scientific expertise all have an important role in protecting taonga species, supporting community wellbeing, and strengthening preparedness and response.
Reporting bird flu
If you see 3 or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, avoid contact, record what you see, and report it to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz