Taniwha (pronounced tani-fa) are giant marine monsters of Māori mythology.
Characteristics[]
Taniwha are colossal beasts that are amphibious in appearance. Their huge size can trigger seismic activity in the water. They live in deep water but will surface to consume humans, which they may trap using seaweed for future consumption. Their mating rituals can last for several hours.
History[]
According to Māori legend, two taniwha brothers, Ngake and Whātaitai, lived in Wellington Harbour before the time of Kupe when the harbour was only a lake. Ngake grew tired of living there and escaped. Whātaitai grew lonely and tried to follow him, but became stranded when the tide fell. Whātaitai’s body turned to stone and his land mass became Hataitai, Wellington.
In 2019, ten people went missing in Wellington Harbour. The Paranormal Unit suspected this was caused by a taniwha and went to investigate along with Constable Parker. They had several encounters with two taniwha and found the missing people trapped in a cave to be used as food for the beasts. The taniwha however consumed a fisherman and members of the camera crew during the investigation. The two monsters were eventually seen mating in the harbour at Oriental Bay, thus confirming that the two were not the brothers of legend.[1]
Known Taniwha[]
- Ngake
- Whātaitai
- Two unnamed taniwha currently residing in Wellington Harbour
Behind the Scenes[]
- The badges of the Wellington Police Force include a taniwha alongside a moa.
Appearances[]
References[]
- ↑ Ward, Nick (writer) & Hewison, Dean (director) (16 October 2019). "Taniwha". Wellington Paranormal. Episode 7. TVNZ 2.