This metal tuatara is actually a door handle. It is said that Tuatara once lived in the sea, but argued with his brother Mangō (shark) about whether to stay there or go to the land. Tuatara moved onto the land and Mangō stayed in the sea. While Mangō warned him of dangers, Tuatara said that he would be fine as his looks would frighten everybody. Some tribes considered the tuatara a bad omen.
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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Leanne Tamaki
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