Story: Taniwha

Mangō taniwha

Mangō taniwha

Looking at this great white shark, with jaws bared, it is no wonder that these creatures were traditionally linked with taniwha. The great white’s Māori name was Makō (or Mangō) taniwha.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Photograph by Malcolm Francis

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How to cite this page:

Basil Keane, 'Taniwha - Sharks', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10886/mango-taniwha (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Basil Keane, published 24 Sep 2007