Free writing in response to the local pūrakau “Te Maia and Hokioi”.

Descriptive Writing. Hokioi. By Jazmin Burgess

Seeing the largest bird in the history of the world feels unbelievable. Glancing at its luxurious feathers blowing in the wind, noticing its blood red eyes stare into your soul, almost taking the life out of you. The bird stalks its prey and punctures the skin of the innocent animals. No one likes to hear its call because once you hear it... it's too close to get away from. Something about this bird is so majestic and beautiful but so scary too.

Quadruple Haiku. The nest of Hokioi. By Zach Redpath

The intimidating, gigantic, deafening, reeking Hokioi snatched me up

I felt like an itsy-bitsy little ant on a cat, I was so foolish to go in here but it’s a great view

We both rest on the side on the mountain ludicrously not thinking its winter.

Narrative. A mother’s perspective. By Chantal Daisy

I soared back to my nest where my quarts coloured egg lay, untouched.

As I neared my roost, I swear I saw something move, was it my egg?! Excitement erupted inside me, but as I got closer, I saw it wasn’t my egg, for it had hatched, my egg had hatched!

I flew down and landed awkwardly in my nest, which sent sticks and feathers flying around us.

There they were, my chick! They were perfect in every way, from their beak to their tiny little talons, but it seemed as though they were playing with something or someone…

As the days went on, my chick grew and grew and so did its… pet.

One day when Hokioi (That was the name I had chosen for them) was fully grown, I left, I flew for days on end, only resting and eating when I had to.

My time had come, so for my final meal, I would eat a human child.

I finished my meal and lay down. As I was about to take my final breath, something pierced my flesh went went straight into my heart, I looked up to see who had done this, when I saw who it was I let out a blood curdling screech, for it was my child's pet, Te Maia, I looked into their eyes then it all went black.

Pūrakau Poem. I am. By Chloe Guy

I am the Hokioi.

My wings are like kete woven of many different kinds of flax.

My thunderous call terrifies all who hear it. They know inescapable danger is about to fall on them.

Hide your children.

My claws are piercing and deadly, made to tear flesh from bone.

I dominate land and sky.

I am the Hokioi.

Te Maia and Hokioi. By Laela Keeler

The power they hold together as they glide through the sky.

He holds on for dear life as the touch down is so soft and subtle.

Hokioi has large feathers that shine like gold in the sun.

They walk off into the hills, disappearing into the horizon…

just leaving behind a silhouette.