The feather was auctioned at Webb's Auction House in Auckland, 116 years after the last confirmed sighting of the bird.
Head of decorative arts at Webb's, Leah Morris, told Morning Report that the feather was expected to cost between $2,000 and $3,000, and that the winning bid of $46,521 exceeded all expectations.
“We were very surprised to see such a wonderful result.”
Morris said there were about four people bidding over the phone for customers on the ferry, as well as a number of people in the room and bidders online.
While Webb could not discuss who purchased the feather, Morris did confirm they lived in New Zealand.
“This feather in particular was registered as taonga tūturu in 2013, so we had to treat it as such.
“That means you have to be a registered collector with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to buy it, and we also have to keep the ministry informed about the movement of the feather.”
Morris said the huge interest in the feather was due to the fact that it was a good example of a huia feather.
“This feather in particular has really retained its iridescent shine. The feather looks great, there is no insect damage.”
Morris said Webb arranged for the feather to be framed behind UV-protected glass and placed on archival paper.
“We hope it will have a very long and healthy life.”