This article gives and overview of Manu Aute and other various kinds of Maori Kites.
Kites were flown both for amusement and sometimes for more serious purposes.
Kite Flying was not limited to children, adults also flew kites. There are many different forms of kites, used for different purposes.
The Manu Atue was usually made from the aute bark, hence where the name came from.

Manu Aute
The Manu Paititi is a small common sort of kite made by or for children, as it is easily made.
The Manu Patiki is made in the form of the patiki, or flounder and is another easily made kite.
Small Manu Taratahi are flowen by children and the large Manu Taratahi are flown by adults.

Manu Taratahi
Kites were flown sometimes at social gatherings. Each person, be they a child or an adult who brought a kite would fly their own. Among all of the kites flown, only a few would fly in a perfect manner, quite upright and steady. Some would sag to the side, or be unsteady, or dip and dive while others may become uncontrollable and the strings break.
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