Eggsquisitely Mythical #14: New Zealand
- Dr. Fizza Younis
- Mar 31
- 20 min read
Hello, fellow eggs and mythology lovers!
For our next Eggsquisitely Mythical issue, we are doing a deep dive on the legends of the Māori, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
BACKGROUND
Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people and the second-largest ethnic group in New Zealand. They were originally settlers from East Polynesia who arrived in New Zealand between 1320 and 1350. Over time, they developed a unique culture, different from East Polynesian cultures.
The Māori culture is rich in mythology with diverse gods and goddesses, playing significant roles in their traditional beliefs. These deities are revered for their unique attributes and domains. They shape various aspects of Māori life and the natural world.
The fifth of the Māori people speak the Māori language, which is considered as the greatest of all cultural treasures. In their language, the word Māori means "ordinary," "natural," or "normal," thus differentiating mortals from deities. It is an Eastern Polynesian language with the official language status in New Zealand.
Whether it is their language or other aspects of culture, the influence of mythology is evident in everything. We have compiled a list of Māori gods and goddesses, but it isn't exhaustive and we will continue to talk about Māori mythology and legends in our upcoming articles.
DEITIES
Ranginui and Papatūānuku are the divine parents and appear in the creation myth. Ranginui is the father personifying the vast expense of the sky. And Papatūānuku is the mother embodying earth. It is believed that their union brought forth all creation and their separation created space for life to flourish.
Tangaroa is the god of ocean and marine life. He is sometimes depicted as a whale. He is the son of Ranginui and Papatūānuku and is forced to hide in the sea because of his brother, Tāwhirimātea's attack.
Tāwhirimātea is the god of storms and violent weather. Māori mythology recognizes his power to shape the elements and unleash devastating tempests. His volatile nature serves as a reminder of the forces of nature and the need for balance and respect in the face of their might.
Aituā is the god responsible for the occurrences of death, fortune, and misfortune in the lives of individuals. It is believed that Aituā influences one's destiny and plays a significant role in shaping the course of their life.
Whiro is the god of darkness and evil in Māori mythology. He is associated with malevolence, misfortune, and all things wicked. He serves as a reminder of the duality within the Māori cosmology, highlighting the balance between light and darkness.
Ao (daylight) is one of the primal gods. He is the personification of light, clouds, and the ordinary world, as opposed to darkness (Pō) and the underworld.
Rongomātāne is the god of cultivated foods, particularly sweet potatoes and other crops grown by Māori communities. Haumiatiketike is the god of uncultivated foods with a focus on the bracken fern.
Tāne Mahuta is revered as the god of forests, representing the abundant flora and fauna that thrive within these sacred realms. Birds are considered his messengers and companions. Tāne Mahuta plays a crucial role in the Māori creation story and is honored for his connection to the natural world.
Tūmatauenga is the god of war and agriculture. He embodies both the fierce warrior spirit and the nurturing aspects of agriculture and he represents strength, courage, and strategic prowess in battle. He also oversees the domains of farming and agriculture, promoting sustenance and prosperity within Māori communities.
Ruaumoko is the god of earthquakes, volcanoes, and seasons. He is the youngest son of Ranginui (the Sky father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth mother).
Urutengangana (The Gleaming One) is the god of light in Māori mythology. He is the firstborn of the children of the primordial parents.
Rehua is the star god, who has the power to heal. He is a very sacred personage, who lives in Te Putahi-nui-o-Rehua in Rangi-tuarea, the tenth and highest of the heavens in some versions of Māori lore.
Auahitūroa is a male deity, a personification of comets, and the origin of the fire. His wife is Mahuika, a Māori fire deity.
Maru is the god of freshwater and the southern god of war.
Uenuku (or Uenuku-Kōpako) is a god of rainbows and a prominent ancestor in Māori tradition. Māori believed that the rainbow's appearance represented an omen, and one kind of yearly offering made to him was that of the young leaves of the first planted kūmara crop.
Ikatere is a fish god and father of all sea creatures.
Ārohirohi is the goddess of mirages and shimmering heat. She is the wife of Tama-nui-te-rā, the personification of the Sun.
Hine-nui-te-pō ("Great woman of night") is a goddess of night, and she receives the spirits of humans when they die. In Māori legends, it is believed that the color red in the sky comes from her.
Rohe is the goddess of the spirit world.
Whaitiri is a goddess of thunder in Māori mythology. She is a fearsome figure, fond of cannibalism.
LEGENDARY CREATURES
Māori mythology is rich with legendary creatures that embody the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Māori people. These creatures play important roles in Māori folklore, symbolizing the natural world's power and the spiritual realm's influence on everyday life.
Taniwha are large supernatural beings that live in dark caves, rivers, or seas. These powerful, often dangerous beings can take various forms, including dragons, serpents, or aquatic creatures. They are considered both protectors and sometimes threats to humans.
Patupaiarehe are pale-skinned or red-haired fairy-like creatures having the same stature as humans. They live in forests and misty mountains. They can enchant humans or lead them astray. They can especially be hostile to humans who intrude on their lands.
Pōtiki and Tupua are supernatural beings that often appear as mischievous spirits or guardians. Pōtiki is associated with child spirits, while Tupua is like goblins or forest spirits.
Marakihau are sea monsters with a human head and a long, tubular tongue. They are said to dwell in the depths of the ocean and are considered to be fearsome creatures. They're also described as merfolks with human-like appearances.
Tūrehu are similar to Patupaiarehe. They are generally invisible to humans and have magical powers.
Hōkioi (or Haast's Eagle) is an extinct giant eagle, which in mythology is sometimes depicted as a fierce, bird-like creature that could carry off humans. It is also known as Pouākai in Māori mythology.
Kumi is often described as large, dragon-like creatures that dwell in isolated and dangerous places. They are considered formidable beings that can cause great harm.
Punga is a supernatural being, considered the ancestor of sharks, lizards, rays, and all deformed, ugly things. All strange animals are Punga's children.
LEGENDARY STORIES
Life of Rātā
Once upon a time, in the heart of ancient Aotearoa, there lived a young warrior named Rātā. Born of noble lineage, he was the son of Wahieroa and the grandson of the great Tāwhaki, whose deeds were sung in every corner of the land.
But Rātā's heart carried the heavy burden of his father's unjust death. A cruel ogre, Matuku-tangotango, killed Wahieroa. Rātā's sole mission now was to retrieve his father's remains to give him a proper burial and seek revenge for his untimely death.
Moreover, he learned that Matuku-tangotango terrorized people by devouring innocent souls on each new moon. The ogre lived in a lake and on every new moon night, it would come out to devour people. This gave Rātā even more reason to hate the ogre and seek revenge. Justified in his cause he set out to kill it.
Rātā knew the path to vengeance wouldn't be easy but he was determined. His first challenge was to build a mighty canoe to cross the vast sea. For that, he needed a tree big enough. So, he searched deep into the sacred forest. Finally, he found the perfect tree for his canoe. Without hesitation, he raised his axe and began to chop. The tree groaned and trembled, but Rātā paid no heed to the sacred rituals and prayers owed to Tāne Mahuta, the god of the forest.
Night fell, and Rātā, exhausted from his labors, rested. But the next morning, he was shocked to see the tree once again stood tall, as if untouched by his axe. Confused but undeterred, Rātā set to work again, cutting down the tree. Yet, each morning, it was whole again.
Puzzled and frustrated, Rātā decided to hide and watch through the night. When the night came, he was met with a strange sight. Hākuturi, the forest spirits emerged from the shadows, singing enchanted songs as they painstakingly restored the tree to its former glory. Rātā's heart pounded as he realized his grave mistake. He had disrespected the gods and spirits of the forest by neglecting their traditions.
Humbled, Rātā approached the great Tāne Mahuta and offered prayers to ask for forgiveness. The forest seemed to sigh with relief, and the spirits accepted his prayers. Only then did Rātā begin anew, cutting down the tree, and this time, the tree remained fallen. In some versions, he captured the forest spirits and they cut the tree for him. That's how he could carve it into a waka (canoe), named Niwaru, that was big enough to take him and his loyal companions across the sea.
His next challenge came in the form of treacherous waters, but his resolve was unyielding. Finally, he reached the lair of Matuku-tangotango. Rātā waited till the ogre came out. He leaned over with his head in the pool, grabbed him by the hair, and killed him. Matuku's bones were used to make spears for hunting birds.
Then Rātā searched for his father's bones and learned that the Ponaturi have them in their village. So, he went out to retrieve them.
At last, along with his loyal companions, he reached the distant shores where their ancient enemy, the Ponaturi lived. The Panoturi priests were cunning and guarded Wahieroa's bones with diligence. Rātā knew he must outwit them. He crept into their sacred grove during the night, but the priests awoke, sensing an intruder. Rātā's heart raced as he gathered the bones. Just as he was about to escape, the Ponaturi warriors surrounded him.
The battle was fierce, but it went badly and many of his companions lost their lives. Desperate, Rātā recited an ancient incantation—the forbidden "Titikura."
Suddenly, the fallen warriors rose from the ground, their bones reassembling. The battlefield erupted in chaos—the living and the resurrected clashed. Rātā fought alongside his spectral allies, their determination unyielding. The Ponaturi were defeated, and Wahieroa's bones were finally free.
The crimson rātā flowers bloomed along the shore, their petals like drops of blood—a tribute to Rātā's courage and sacrifice.
Rātā returned home, not just as a warrior but as a wise leader who had learned the importance of respect for the gods and the natural world. His story became a timeless legend, a reminder to all of the power of humility, the necessity of tradition, and the strength found in honoring the spirits of the land.
And so, the tale of Rātā became an integral part of the Māori culture, a testament to the enduring values that bind humanity to the earth and the divine beings that dwell within it.
Life of Tāwhaki
In the Maori mythology of Polynesia, Tawhaki is a hero, whose adventures form the basis of a complex story cycle. On his heroic journey, he is accompanied by his decidedly unheroic brother, Karihi.
The story starts in the mortal world. Specifically, in the mystical land of Aotearoa, where a young warrior named Tāwhaki lived. His lineage was divine and mortal, for he was the grandson of Whaitiri, a fearsome goddess with a penchant for human flesh. Whaitiri had married Kaitangata, a mortal man, but their union was short-lived. When she discovered that Kaitangata did not share her taste for cannibalism, she left him, leaving behind their two sons: Hemā and Punga. Tāwhaki and Karihi were born to Hemā.
One time, Tāwhaki was badly beaten by his cousins and left to die. But his wife was a wise woman. She used the fire to nurse him. Tāwhaki recovered, and their child was named Wahieroa in honor of this fiery healing.
That was not all, though. Tāwhaki and his brother were often mistreated by their stepbrothers. To protect his brother and his people, Tāwhaki sought knowledge and power. One day, he learned about the secret knowledge that his ancestors in the heavens possessed. And thus, he embarked on a journey to find this knowledge.
Therefore, leaving the mortal world, he and his young brother climbed up a long vine known as Mārau-a-Tāwhaki (the vine of Tāwhaki) which stretched to the sky. The vine was enchanted and guarded by their grandmother, Whaitiri. She gave them advice about how best to make the climb into the sky. Karihi tried first but made the error of climbing up the aka taepa, or hanging vine. He was blown violently around by the winds of heaven and fell to his death. Tāwhaki climbed by the aka matua, or parent vine, recited the right incantations, and continued his ascend to the highest heaven.
He encountered numerous obstacles, such as hostile spirits and treacherous winds. Despite these challenges, he persevered with determination and courage. Along the way, he received assistance from various supernatural beings, including his ancestors and the god of winds, who helped him reach the highest realm of the heavens.
During his journey, he met Hāpai, a beautiful and mysterious woman. In some tribal versions of the mythology, she played a significant role in his quest by offering wisdom, support, and guidance. Their relationship became a symbol of partnership, trust, and loyalty.
Finally, Tāwhaki reached the uppermost realm where his ancestors resided. There, he acquired the sacred knowledge and powerful incantations that he sought. He was rewarded for his resilience and strength. Thus, he became celestial to take his rightful place among the stars. Not only that, but he also became a bridge between the two worlds–the mortal and the divine.
Variations might exist in the tribal versions, but the myth of Tāwhaki continues to be celebrated in Māori culture, highlighting the importance of courage and the pursuit of wisdom in overcoming adversity. His transformation to a celestial being symbolizes the potential for mortals to achieve enlightenment and transcend their earthly limitations through bravery, determination, and pursuit of higher ideals.
Māui's Exploits
Long ago, when the world was young and the gods still walked among mortals, there lived a figure unlike any other—Māui, the mischievous demigod of incredible feats and boundless courage. He constantly breached tapu, challenging conventions and norms. Although Maui was said to be very rascally or "kolohe", many of his deeds were to better the lives of his fellow people.
Māui's extraordinary life began when he was cast prematurely into the ocean by his mother, Taranga, the wife of Makeatutara. She wrapped him in a tress of her hair. Ocean spirits found and nurtured him. That was how his grandfather, Tama-nui-ki-te-Rangi, discovered him on the beach, covered by swarms of flies and gulls. Māui's divine ancestor then took the child and raised him to adolescence. Māui grew into a figure of immense strength and cunning.
When Māui became old enough, he traveled to his family's home and found his four brothers, Māui-taha, Māui-roto, Māui-pae, and Māui-waho, and his sister, Hina. His arrival was met with hesitation. Yet, through his wit and his transformative powers, Māui swiftly won their admiration. He could shape-shift into birds of the sky, dazzling them with his supernatural abilities. His brothers acknowledged his power and admired him.
One of Māui's most renowned exploits centered around his grandmother's jawbone, fashioned into a mighty fishhook. With this magical tool, he went to the depths of the ocean, seeking to pull up a legendary fish that swam with the force of a thousand tides. The struggle was fierce, tearing at the ocean floor and leaving in its wake the islands of New Zealand—the North Island formed from the fish's struggles, and the South Island from Māui's canoe.
Yet Māui's ambitions did not end with shaping the land. He sought to benefit humanity in every way possible. He journeyed to the underworld to steal fire from the goddess Mahuika, bringing warmth and light to the people. He even dared to ensnare the Sun itself, slowing its path across the heavens to lengthen the days and bless all living beings.
Another one of Māui's most renowned feats included causing birds (which were invisible to mortal eyes) to become visible. The music of the birds delighted Māui. He observed them with keen interest, however, no one else could join him in enjoying what only he could see. Although Māui's friends could hear their wonderful bird songs, none perceived the true source of the sounds. Māui felt compassion for his friends, for humanity, and their inability to behold with their eyes the colorful, musical creatures as they flitted from tree to tree. So, he caused the creatures to become visible to the naked eye.
But Māui's thirst for greatness ultimately led him to confront mortality itself. Desiring immortality for mankind, he ventured into the realm of the goddess Hine-nui-te-pō, seeking to conquer death itself. In a daring and tragic attempt, he tried to escape her clutches as she slept, only to be crushed by her obsidian teeth. This tragic event led to Māui's demise.
He was a demigod, neither wholly god nor man, a misfit, who continually tested his magic and mana against the cosmogonic gods and his father and elder brothers in his attempts to usurp their privileges, to humiliate them, and to demonstrate his superiority. He was also a bridge in time between the end of the era of creation and the beginning of the era of human migration.
Though Māui's life ended in tragedy, his legacy endured—a hero whose daring exploits shaped the islands, brought knowledge and blessings to humanity, and forever remembered in Polynesian mythology. Māui, the trickster and the hero remains a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to defy even the gods themselves.
Origin of Humans
The Māori creation story begins with nothingness, Te Kore. Then it takes us on a fascinating journey through Te Pō – the cramped space, and Te Ao Mārama – the emergence of light, as we explore the ancient beginnings of the Maori people.
It is said that in the beginning, there was nothing. From the nothingness Ranginui, the Sky Father, and Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, emerged. But they were locked in a tight embrace, their love so strong that no light could penetrate the space between them. Their children, the gods, were born and lived in this tight and dark place. But they craved the light and wanted to separate their parents. The separation of the parents by the children resulted in the movement from darkness to the world of light, Te Ao- Mārama.
Among these children were Tāne, Tangaroa, and Tūmatauenga. They worked together to bring about the separation of their parents.
Finally, it was Tāne who lay on his back with his legs facing up. With total focus and strength, he pushed and pushed, lifting Ranginui high into the sky and pressing Papatūānuku down to form the earth. This separation allowed light to flood the world, and thus a new era dawned. Rangi and Papa wept for each other rather than being angry with the gods. Even now, it is said that the tears of Ranginui are falling when it rains. And they represent his sorrow over the separation.
Birth of The First Man
But the world was still incomplete. Tāne decided to populate the earth with beings who could appreciate its beauty, and thus, he created the first human. Gathering the sacred red earth of Kurawaka, Tāne carefully molded the form of a man. He named this figure Tiki.
Tāne breathed life into Tiki, and the first human opened his eyes to the world. Tiki wandered the earth, marveling at its beauty, but felt profoundly lonely. Understanding Tiki's need for companionship, Tāne created the first woman, Marikoriko, from the same sacred earth. Tiki and Marikoriko became the ancestors of all the human race.
Their first child was Hine-kau-ataata, and through her, humanity's lineage continued. The descendants of Tiki and Marikoriko spread across the land, each generation carrying the divine spark of their creation. They lived in harmony with the natural world, honoring the gods and the sacred earth from which they were formed.
Another Version: Birth of The First Woman
Long ago, before humans roamed the land, the gods existed in the heavens and earth realms. Among them was Tāne Mahuta, the god of forests and birds. Tāne, whose domain was the towering trees and the creatures that lived within them, felt a longing in his heart. Though the beauty of nature surrounded him, something was missing—there was no one like him, no companion to share the world's wonders.
Tāne sought the wisdom of his fellow gods, and it was revealed to him that the answer lay in the very earth he nurtured. Determined, Tāne descended to the sacred land of Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, and began to gather the soft red clay. With great care, he shaped the clay into the form of a woman. He molded her arms, legs, and face—delicately crafting every detail with love.
Once her form was complete, Tāne bent over her and gently breathed into her nostrils. The breath of life filled the clay figure, and in that moment, she stirred. Her chest rose and fell as she took her first breath, and her eyes opened to see the world for the first time. Tāne named her Hineahuone, meaning "woman of the earth."
Hineahuone stood, her feet rooted in the very soil from which she was formed, and she marveled at the world around her. Tāne and Hineahuone became companions, and the first of humankind was born from their union. Together, they brought forth the next generation—Hinetītama, their daughter, who would go on to play her vital role in Māori mythology as the goddess of death and the underworld.
Thus, humanity was born from the earth itself, with Tāne Mahuta as their father and Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, as their eternal source of life and nourishment. From Hineahuone's clay body, the connection between humans and nature was forever sealed—a bond that endures in the hearts of the Māori people, who honor their origins and the sacredness of the natural world.
In Māori Mythology, the story of creation is more than just a tale; it reminds us of the connection between humans and the earth. It teaches the importance of respecting the natural world and recognizing the divine essence within all living things. Through the story of Tiki and Marikoriko, the Māori people celebrate their origins and the bond they share with the land and the gods. It is a timeless story passed down through generations, reminding us of our place in life.
Comparisons between Maori creation myths and other ancient stories show they often share the same theme of light bringing about life and harmony. Te Ao Mārama is an integral part of Maori identity. It shapes their perspectives and actions. It preserves cultural knowledge and fosters a sense of belonging. Variations in different oral traditions and interpretations exist, but the core elements remain unchanged, as it's passed down through generations.
Mount Taranaki Legend
Long ago, when the world was young, the great volcanic mountains of the North Island lived side by side, standing tall in the heart of Aotearoa. Among them were Mount Taranaki, Tongariro, and Pihanga.
Mount Pihanga was a beautiful, forest-clad peak, and Taranaki as well as Tongariro were captivated by Pihanga's beauty. Her misty cloak drifted like a soft veil, and wherever she looked, green and fertile land flourished.
The two great mountains—Taranaki and Tongariro—soon found themselves drawn into a fierce rivalry, each vying for Pihanga's love. Tongariro, proud and unyielding, believed he was the only one worthy of her heart, but Taranaki, fierce and strong, would not be denied so easily. Their feelings grew until one night, Taranaki dared to make advances to Pihanga, the sky roared with fury, and a battle unlike any other began between Tongariro and Taranaki.
The earth shook as the two mountains clashed, throwing fiery lava and rock into the night. Lightning crackled through the sky, and ash rained down as they fought, each trying to prove his worth to the graceful Pihanga. Their fury set the sky ablaze, and the other mountains watched, rooted in awe and fear, as the two mighty warriors struggled for her love.
As dawn broke, Tongariro remained standing, victorious. Taranaki, battered and heartbroken, realized he had lost. With deep sorrow, he turned his back on Pihanga and Tongariro and left, unable to stay near the one he had loved so dearly. As he moved westward, towards the sea, his tears carved the winding path of the Whanganui River, and his sorrow seeped into the land itself.
On and on he traveled, carving valleys and leaving streams in his wake, in the form of Whanganui River, until he reached the western coast, far from the central plateau where he had once stood. There, in the shadow of the setting sun, he finally found his resting place beside the Tasman Sea. He settled there as Mount Taranaki, gazing out over the ocean, forever distant from his love, Pihanga.
For a long time, many Māori were wary of living in the area between the mountains believing Taranaki would return. Even now, the mist that often cloaks Mount Taranaki is said to be his tears, a reminder of his unending sorrow. To this day, Māori say you should never turn your back to Mount Taranaki, out of respect for the mountain's strength and heartbreak. The land remembers, and so do the people, honoring Taranaki's journey and his love for Pihanga, forever woven into the mountains and rivers of Aotearoa.
South Island's Creation
The Legend of Aoraki
According to the myth, Aoraki and his three brothers, Rakiora, Rakirua, and Rarakiroa,[1] were sons of Rakinui (the Sky Father) and Pokoharua-te-po (the Earth Mother). Once upon a time, they voyaged across the ocean in their canoe, Te Waka o Aoraki, along with their pet whale, named Tutauru. They were traveling to visit Rakinui's new wife, Papatūānuku.
However, on the return journey, tragedy struck and their canoe capsized on a reef known as Te Wai Pounamu (The Greenstone Waters). As the canoe overturned, the brothers climbed to the highest point of their vessel to escape drowning. They were frozen by the cold south wind and turned into stone.
Aoraki, the eldest brother, became the highest peak. It is now known as Aoraki (Mount Cook). His brothers became the next highest peaks: Rakiura (Mount Anglem) and the brothers Tahu-nui-atea and Tahu-raki-whanau (Mounts Tasman and Dampier). Hence, Te Waka o Aoraki became the South Island.
Afterwards, they were discovered by Tūterakiwhānoa. Using his skills as a great land-shaper, he smoothed out the jagged edges of the overturned canoe and formed the mountains, valleys, and plains of the South Island. Kahukura, the deity of the rainbow, helped clothe the land with vegetation and beauty, ensuring it would be fertile and habitable for the future inhabitants. Together, they transformed the rugged landscape into the lush, life-sustaining island it became.
In a slight variant, Aoraki and his grandfather Kirikirikatata landed at Shag Point aboard the Āraiteuru, where they turned into the ever-associated mountain and range. Kirikirikatata persuaded Aroarokaehe to come sit with them there, while her husband Mauka Atua became a peak on the Ben Ohau Range.[2]
The legend is significant in Māori culture, representing the ancestral ties to the land and the enduring presence of their ancestors in the landscape. It also reflects the Māori worldview, where natural features and phenomena are imbued with spiritual and ancestral significance.
Te Waka a Māui (The Canoe of Māui)
Once there lived a legendary demigod named Māui in the Māori ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. He was known for his incredible strength, cunning, and magical abilities and was always seeking new adventures and challenges to prove his prowess.
One day, he hid in the bottom of his brothers' canoe as they went on a long fishing voyage. Māui used his magical powers to increase the distance back to shore so when he was discovered his brothers would not take him back home.
When they were far out into the ocean, Māui dropped his magical fishhook over the side of the canoe. He felt a strong tug on the line, too strong to be a normal type of fish. Māui called on his brothers to help. After quite a struggle they pulled up the North Island of New Zealand – which, since that day, has been known to Māori as Te Ika-a-Maui.
As Māui and his brothers pulled up the island from the depths of the ocean, the land surfaced, and the brothers began arguing, greedily carving out parts of the new land for themselves. This is why the North Island has such uneven terrain, with mountains, valleys, and jagged coastlines—said to reflect the brothers' hasty and careless handling of the land. Māui's catch formed the North Island, and its shape is thought to resemble a fish, with Wellington as the head and the Bay of Plenty as the tail.
After pulling up the North Island, the canoe Māui and his brothers used for the fishing expedition became Te Waka a Māui, or the South Island of New Zealand. This explains why the South Island is often referred to as Māui's canoe. In this myth, the Kaikōura Peninsula, a notable geographical feature on the eastern coast of the South Island, is believed to be where the seat of the canoe was situated. This sacred spot links the South Island to the larger myth and connects the land and sea in Māori tradition.
In some versions of the myth, Stewart Island, located just south of the South Island, is regarded as Te Punga o Te Waka a Māui, meaning the anchor stone of Māui's canoe. This further emphasizes the connection between the islands, with Stewart Island symbolizing the anchor holding Māui's great canoe (the South Island) in place.
And so, the North and South islands of New Zealand came to be, a land born from the bravery and ingenuity of Māui, the legendary demigod. The Māori people, descendants of Māui, continue to honor these ancient stories, cherishing the deep bond between their culture and the natural world.
[1] Regional variations exist and Rakiura, Tūtērakiwhānoa, and Tahu-nui-atea are often cited as the names of three brothers.
[2] Māori mythology is often localized, with iwi (tribes) maintaining their versions of the same foundational stories. The story involving Kirikirikatata reflects Ngāi Tahu's regional interpretation of how key mountains and ranges in the South Island were formed. It suggests that Kirikirikatata had a significant role, alongside Aoraki, in shaping the South Island's most iconic geographical features. Kirikirikatata in this variant is a powerful figure tied to the creation and embodiment of the Ben Ohau Range, reinforcing the idea that the land itself is the living form of ancestors, a theme central to Māori cosmology.
That concludes today's discussion about Māori legends. We hoped you enjoyed learning about them!
Check out these other articles written by former team members:
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