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Story: Te Waonui a Tāne – forest mythology

Ongaonga – tree nettle

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Ongaonga – tree nettle

The ongaonga’s hairs give a painful sting. A difficult or 'prickly' person was likened to this plant.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10060387

by Catherine Tiffen

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How to cite this page

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, Te Waonui a Tāne – forest mythology – Sayings from the forest, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/13168/ongaonga-tree-nettle (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 1 March 2009.