The kiwi bird is indigenous to New Zealand and holds special significance for Maori, acting as a messenger between the spiritual and physical realms. Capes made from finely woven kiwi feathers hold great prestige and mana (authority). This bag, combining kiwi feathers and flax, was presented to Queen Elizabeth II by the Atiawa People of Waiwhetu during her Commonwealth visit to Australia and New Zealand in 1981.