The extinction of the moa birds in New Zealand around 1400 was primarily caused by overhunting by Polynesian settlers, along with habitat alterations through burning and agriculture. These giant flightless birds played a significant role in the ecosystem, and their disappearance had cascading effects on the environment. The extinction of the moa is a poignant example of the impact of human activity on biodiversity and the importance of conservation.

The extinction of the Moa birds in New Zealand around 1400 is embedded in Maori oral poetry and legends, symbolizing ancestral loss and the consequences of human arrival on isolated ecosystems. Poets like Hone Tuwhare have reflected on themes of extinction and environmental change, emphasizing the interconnectedness of culture and nature.