Story: First peoples in Māori tradition

Patupaiarehe

Patupaiarehe

The creature illustrated on this stamp is one of the patupaiarehe – sometimes translated as ‘fairies’ or ‘goblins’. These terms are not accurate, as patupaiarehe were generally described as being taller than humans, fair skinned, red- or light-haired and dangerous. These ghostly beings were sometimes heard deep in the bush by diggers of fern root, but were often only visible to powerful tohunga. There were two forms of defence against them – cooked food and kōkōwai (red ochre mixed with shark oil). Patupaiarehe were believed to have been living in New Zealand before the first human arrivals, and offerings of fern root or fish were often given to placate them.

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New Zealand Post
Reference: 2000 Spirits and Guardians stamp issue

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How to cite this page:

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, 'First peoples in Māori tradition - Patupaiarehe, tūrehu and other inhabitants', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/postage-stamp/2399/patupaiarehe (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 8 Feb 2005