During 1984-86 a 19th-century Maori kite underwent conservation treatment in preparation for its display in the new Maori Gallery of the Auckland Museum. The kite is a rare example of a manuaute , or birdman kite. The kite is constructed from materials traditionally utilized by Maori craftspeople and with materials newly available from European towns being established in colonial New Zealand. Research was undertaken prior to conservation treatment to establish the history of the kite since it was presented to the Auckland Museum. Evidence on the kite and archival sources revealed at least four occasions when the kite was repaired between 1890 and 1980. Research was also directed into uncovering more about such kites and their role in Maori society. The paper briefly outlines this research and describes the conservation work carried out on the kite. Also described is the fabrication of the visual replica of the mask of the kite as it appeared when the kite was in new condition.