Overview
This lecture covers Maori creation myths and the origins of the North and South Islands of New Zealand, emphasizing legendary figures, natural formations, and cultural traditions.
Maori Creation Myth
- In the beginning, there was Decora, representing nothingness.
- Out of nothingness came Te Po (the night), followed by Te Ao, the dawn.
- Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother) embraced until their child, Tāne Mahuta, forced them apart, creating the universe.
- The separation of sky and earth marked the creation of land and life.
Maui's Legends
- Maui is a favored son born with magical powers and known as a trickster.
- Maui advised his brothers to paddle far out to sea to fish.
- Maui crafted a fishhook from his grandmother’s jawbone.
- Maui caught a giant fish, which became the North Island of New Zealand (Te Ika-a-Māui).
Origin of the South Island and Mountains
- Aoraki and his brothers went on a voyage to visit their earth mother but were stranded on a reef.
- They climbed atop their canoe; the cold south wind froze them, turning them to stone.
- The frozen canoe became the South Island (Te Waka a Aoraki), and the brothers became the mountains, with Aoraki as the tallest peak.
Waka Traditions and Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland)
- Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) has a rich tradition of waka (canoes) that crossed the Pacific.
- Waka shaped New Zealand’s landscape, people, and customs.
- Modern waka traditions, like Waka Maori, continue under leaders such as Nancy Potter and her descendants.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ranginui — Sky Father figure in Maori mythology.
- Papatuanuku — Earth Mother in Maori mythology.
- Tāne Mahuta — Child who separated sky and earth, god of forests.
- Maui — Mythical trickster and demigod known for fishing up the North Island.
- Aoraki — Ancestral figure whose canoe became the South Island and who became its tallest mountain.
- Waka — Traditional Maori canoes used for migration and travel.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Maori creation story and key figures for upcoming discussion.
- Reflect on the significance of Maori myths in understanding New Zealand’s geography and culture.