When did maori preserve their mutton bird?

Māori have traditionally preserved mutton birds, or tītī, for centuries, a practice that dates back to long before European contact. The primary method of preservation involves smoking and drying the birds, which allows them to be stored for extended periods. This practice not only reflects their culinary traditions but also their deep connection to the seasonal harvesting of these birds, particularly during the annual tītī season, which typically occurs from late March to early April.