Story: Sharks and rays

A Māori proverb

Pineamine (Pine) Taiapa, pictured, was a master wood carver and an orator with extensive training in traditional knowledge. In this recording he explains to an audience of school children the background to the proverb, ‘Kia mate ururora, kei mate wheke’ (Let me die like a shark, not like an octopus).

Sound file from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero (Pine Taiapa – kowhaiwhai patterns/Reference number MPT 201).

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/1-003883; G

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Sharks and rays - Māori and sharks', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/speech/6771/a-maori-proverb (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 12 Jun 2006