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Hands on Tauranga offers students stimulating and original learning opportunities with real museum objects that support the New Zealand curriculum at primary and secondary school level.

Moa Bones HC150/1-14

Fourteen assorted moa bones including upper leg, rib, vertebrae and pelvis.

The moa (dinoris maximus) was a flightless bird, indigenous to New Zealand, that became extinct in the 1400’s due to hunting by māori. Moa were a valuable food source, and their bones, feathers and skins were also used in a variety of ways, including clothing, fish hooks and pendants.

Included with this resource is the picture book 'What Happened to the Moa?' by Ned Barraud.

> Click here to download 'Moa Bones- A 'Hands on Tauranga' teacher resource'

Read this article to find out how the Moa came to be 're-discovered' in the mid 1800's. https://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/collections/collections-highlights/giant-moa-skeleton/

Your students may have heard about the project to 'de-extinct' the moa (July 2025) https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566386/sir-peter-jackson-backs-project-to-de-extinct-moa-experts-cast-doubt

This project would make a very interesting class discussion - here are some question prompts

> What challenges might happen if we try to bring back an animal that’s been gone for hundreds of years?

> Do you think a moa would be able to survive in today’s world? Why or why not?

> How could bringing back the moa help or hurt New Zealand’s forests and animals?

> What do you think might happen if moa had to live with predators like cats, stoats or dogs?

> Do you think humans should bring back animals that went extinct because of people?

> Do you think it’s a good idea to spend money bringing back the moa, or should we focus on helping animals that are alive now?

> If the moa was to be brought back, should it live in the wild or just in special parks or zoos?

> How do you feel about the idea of bringing back the moa - why?

date: 1400's (or earlier)

maximum dimension: 530mm

subject area: Social Science, Science

subject themes: Biology, Environment, Resources, New Zealand, History

handling collection number: HC150/1-15

Why not get your hands on ....

>3D printed moa egg HC262 http://www.handsontauranga.co.nz/products/3d-printed-moa-egg-hc262/

> Replica Pouākai | Haast's Eagle claw HC24 https://www.handsontauranga.co.nz/hot-items/putaiao-science/hc24-replica-pouakai-haasts-eagle-claw/

House of Science related kit > 'Dem Bones / Ngā Kōiwi Tuahiwi '

With a focus on form and function, they will explore individual bones and compare/contrast them with other species.

Covers the living world strand with strong links to literacy and a great context for awesome writing activities. Optional extension ideas include researching animals with exoskeletons and exploring joints. https://houseofscience.nz/science-kits/

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