Story: European discovery of plants and animals

Māori genealogy (2nd of 2)

Māori genealogy

In the Māori world view, all things were linked by genealogies (whakapapa). They included humans, gods, plants and animals. This whakapapa shows the links between Tāne, god of the forest, and New Zealand’s tree species. People and gods formed part of the classifications of species, and of the understanding of the natural world.

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How to cite this page:

John Andrews, 'European discovery of plants and animals - The first naturalists', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/whakapapa/10934/maori-genealogy (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by John Andrews, published 24 Sep 2007