Story: Māori creation traditions

The creation of trees

The creation of trees

This genealogical chart shows how different species of tree were created through the marriage of Tāne Mahuta, god of the forest, with various deities. It also shows how they all originate from the marriage of Ranginui (the sky) and Papatūānuku (the earth). This illustration is an updated version of information provided in Johannes C. Andersen’s Maori life in Ao-tea (1922).

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, 'Māori creation traditions - Creation and the Māori world view', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/document/2442/the-creation-of-trees (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 8 Feb 2005