Story: Kurī – Polynesian dogs

Kupe and his dog

This carving depicts the dog belonging to the early explorer, Kupe. He stands behind his master on the roof of the wharenui (meeting house) at Te Herenga Waka Marae at Victoria University of Wellington.

Using this item

Te Tumu Herenga Waka Marae, Victoria University of Wellington

All rights to images of this marae are held by Te Tumu Herenga Waka Marae, Victoria University of Wellington

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page

Basil Keane, Kurī – Polynesian dogs – Traditional accounts of kurī, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/16230/kupe-and-his-dog (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 1 March 2009.