Maui & the Tiwaiwaka

There are many versions amongst Iwi of the story of how Maui, one of the super heroes of Maori mythology, tried to overcome death by re-entering the womb of Hine-nui-te-po.

Maui swore the birds that accompanied him to silence but the Tīwaiwaka couldn’t stand the ridiculous sight and burst out into laughter. This awoke Hine-nui–te-po who slammed her legs together killing Maui.

As a result some people associate the Tīwaiwaka with death and ill fortune. But it does highlight the ridiculousness of mankind trying to conquer nature instead of living with it. To do so is to invite a similar fate to that experienced by Maui.

Excerpt from the Tiwaiwaka Booklet by Rob McGowan