Maori > Maori - Myths & Legends

Peter Gossages Maui series is well-known and loved. The six titles in the series have been repackaged and redesigned for a new generation of readers, without losing the integrity of the initial artwork. The books follow Maui’s birth, his abandonment by his mother and his search for her, his search for his father and discovery and eventual owners of his grandfather’s magic jawbone, and his fishing up of Te Ika a Maui (the North Island). How Maui found the Secret of Fire is the story of how, on a mission to discover how ... read more

This unique collection of more than 2,500 pepeha, "sayings of the ancestors, " were gathered and compiled from all over New Zealand over a 20-year period. More than just proverbs, pepeha include charms, witticisms, figures of speech, and boasts, and they are featured in the formal speeches heard every day on the marae and in the oral literature handed down from past generations. The pepeha also provide a rich source of language, using metaphor and an economy of words to show language that enriches the textbook Maori of today. ... read more

Reprinted July 2006. Since it was first published in 1946 under the title "Myths and Legends of Maoriland", which subsequently won the Esther Glen award for the best children's book of 19497, this popular collection of Maori folklore by author and publisher A.W. Reed has gone on to enjoy great success both in New Zealand and internationally. With its lively text and Dennis Turner's imaginative illustrations, which capture not only the drama of Maori mythology but much of its tragedy and humour as well, this latest edition of "Maori... read more

For the first time, fifteen ancient Maori stories are retold by gifted storyteller Annie Rae Te Ake Ake and illustrated by ninteen artists from New Zealand secondary schools. This book aims to strengthen the awareness of the indigenous wisdom and spirit of New Zealand. It also heralds creative work of Aotearoa's new generation of young artists and acknowledges the many cultures that are modern New Zealand.

No Description

How Maui defied the Goddess of Death is the story of how Maui wonders what it would be like to live forever. He enters the Goddess of Death and discovers stars, heavens and the gods. Missing his people, he is sent home by the highest god, Rehua, who gives him the special gift of being able to transform himself.
Peter Gossage's Maui series is well-known and loved. The six titles in the series have been repackaged and redesigned for a new generation of readers, without losing the integrity of the initial artwork. The books f... read more

Reprinted for a new generation, Peter Gossage's illustrated books bring these ancient maori tales to life.In this tale Maui is happy to have found his mother but wants to find his father. He follows his mother into the underworld and discovers his father and grandfather. This is where is obtains the magic jawbone from his grandfather. The magic jawbone with which he tames the sun and fishes up land from the sea...

Maui wonders what it would be like to live forever. He enters the Goddess of Death and discovers stars, heavens and the gods. Missing his people, he is sent home by the highest god, Rehua, who gives him the special gift of being able to transform himself. Peter Gossage's brilliantly illustrated retelling of the traditional Maui saga is set in the Maori concept of the cosmos, heavens and underworlds.

Vulnerable gods and goddesses; Children born with unusual gifts; Birds with bad timing; Insects having sex. Once Upon a Time in Aotearoa explores a world where mythological characters and stories become part of everyday life. Old and new worlds co-exist, cultures mingle and magic happens. Familiar characters appear, but in these versions the gods live in a contemporary world and are motivated by human concerns. In this perplexing world, characters connect with each other and find ancient wisdom that carries them through.

A book about Maori and their legends and customs involving birds - includes CD "Forest and Ocean" by Hirini Melbourne.

Queenie Rikihana Hyland here brings together a collection of her favourite Maori myths and legends - from the creation and the ever-popular mischief-making of Maui, to the great love stories of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, and Turongo and Mahinarangi. The stories are brought to life by the vivid illustrations of Patrick Puru. Illustrated Maori Myths and Legends is a stunning addition to any bookshelf, be that of a child or an adult. Experience it as part of a group being read to or read it alone - either way the stories and the illustrat... read more

Gavin Bishop's latest stunning book contains four Maori myths, cleverly retold and beautifully illustrated. The stories are: Mother Earth and Father Sky The Battle of the Birds Kae and the Whale Hinemoa and Tutanekai These stories are simply written, allowing the essence of the original myths to remain. A companion book to Taming the Sun and Riding the waves created by one of New Zealand's most talented and passionate children's book writers and illustrators.

The Maori have a rich and colourful tradition of myth and legend. Some of their most important and popular tales are retold in this classic book. The stories range from the creation of the world and the coming of life, death and knowledge, to supernatural tales of love, terror and adventure. Read about the great god Tane, about Maui who tamed the sun, about the woman on the moon, about monsters, fairies, fabulous birds and moving mountains.

"Come close and listen. I have a story to tell." Melanie Drewery spins a magical tale, weaving the ties from the past that bind us all to this land called Aotearoa. Across the years we have all formed links and connections to the land we call home and no matter where we are in the world we will always feel that pull back to this special place.

Peter Gossages Maui series is well-known and loved. New editions of the six titles in the series have been redesigned for a new generation of readers, without losing the integrity of the initial artwork. The books follow Mauis birth, his abandonment by his mother and his search for her, his search for his father and discovery and eventual owners of his grandfathers magic jawbone, and his fishing up of Te Ika a Maui (the North Island).The Fish of Maui is the story of how Maui fished up the North Island of New Zealand (Te Ika a Ma... read more

Proverbs (or whakatauki) express the wisdom, wit and common sense of the Maori people. Evocative and succinct, they are great value and inspiration to writers, story-tellers and anyone speaking in a Maori setting. Several hundred proverbs are here categorised under a large number of diverse headings, with translations and explanations in English. This book provides both a useful reference and an insight into Maori humour and values.

An adventurous young man called Mitai lives with his seven handsome brothers in the village of Maketu. He watches as his brothers are bewitched by seven beautiful women, and under their spell, the brothers no longer eat, look after themselves, work in their gardens or hunt. Realising the women are 'patupaiarehe' - fairy women, he knows they must be cast far away. They are given to Urutengangana, the god of the stars, and he places them in the heavens farthest from the earth. Yet once a year, at winter solstice, he allows their bea... read more

This beautiful and bestselling title is now available in the softcover format. A welcome addition to any library, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Maori Myth & Legend is an all-embracing and highly readable work of reference. Drawing upon the nineteenth century writings of Maori authorities who left a vast heritage of myths and legends, that speak of a thousand years' experience in Aotearoa, Margaret Orbell tells in more than 380 entries these stories. Featuring a comprehensive introduction that places the traditions in thei... read more

The Maori have a rich and colourful tradition of myth and legend - many of their most important and popular tales are retold in this classic, bestselling book. Written with the general reader in mind, the stories range from the creation of the world and the coming of life, death and knowledge. They incorporate the great god Tane, Maui who tamed the sun, the woman on the moon, monsters, fairies, wondrous birds and moving mountains.About the author:Born in Auckland in 1908, A.W. Reed (Alexander Wyclif) was educated at Mt Albert Gramm... read more

This book brings together a series of papers by Ani Mikaere that reflect on the effect of Pakeha law, legal processes and teaching on Maori legal thought and practice. She discusses issues such as the ability of Maori to achieve justice when Maori law is marginalised; the need to confront racism in thinking, processes and structures; the impact of interpretations of the Treaty of Waitangi; the difficulty of redressing harm to Maori within the Pakeha legal system; and the importance of reinstating tikanga at the heart of Maori legal... read more