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Papatūānuku
Ranginui
Principal atua of the celestial realm, the origin of matters spiritual, understanding and thought. All things come under the influence of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, both spiritually and physically.
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Papatūānuku
Principal atua of the earthly realm, the origin of all living things made up of flesh, body and earth. All things come under the influence of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.
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Tāne
Atua of the forests, birds, animals, humans and canoes. He is also responsible for separating his parents and propping up the sky above. He is the origin of knowledge and all things associated with it. Tāne is one of the more prominent atua of the Māori world. He has a wide influence over many things.
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Tūmatauenga
Atua of man and all forms of conflict and warfare. He is the one who continues to clash with his siblings in order to subdue and gain control over them.
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Rongo
Atua of man and all forms of conflict and warfare. He is the one who continues to clash with his siblings in order to subdue and gain control over them.
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Haumia
Atua of the fernroot and all kinds of foods that grow naturally. At the time their parents were being separated, he concealed himself in the ground, and from this became the atua of wild foods.
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Tāwhirimātea
Atua of winds and storms. Tāwhirimātea did not agree with his younger siblings who wished to separate their parents. He chose to reside with his father. He continually assails all his younger siblings, showing his disapproval of their actions.
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Tangaroa
Atua of oceans, lakes and rivers. He is the authority over all fish species, including shellfish. He is the guardian of all knowledge associated with carving and many other important taonga.
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Rūaumoko
Atua of natural electrical phenomena, volcanoes and earthquakes. It is said that he resides with Hinenuitepō, the ruler of the underworld. Rūaumoko is also the origin of facial and body tattoos and creativity.
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Whiro
tua of the wero, difficulties, evil and sickness. The majority of illnesses and other types of misfortune emanate from this atua. He is also the source of competitiveness.
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Hineahuone
Atua/progenitor of the human element and all succeeding generations, of cultural traditions and hospitality.
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WhataWhata on hover
WhataWhata on hover
WhataWhata on hover