Kotare (Kingfisher) Feather by Michelle BowThese bright vibrant ceramic feathers are designed and made by Michelle Bow, a local ceramicist. The Kingfisher or Kotare is a much loved native bird because of its beautiful colouring. The birds have green and electric blue plumage with a yellow chest and as they fly past fast you can often only see flashes of blue tail feathers. It is called sacred for it was said to be a holy bird for Polynesians, who believe the bird has control over the waves.