Research Catalog

Title

Maori legends of New Zealand [videorecording] / New Zealand National Film Unit ; produced by Conon Fraser and Martin Townsend.

Publication

Evanston, IL : Wombat/Altschul Group, 1986.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

• Dennis, Nicki.
• New Zealand. National Film Unit.

Description

1 videocassette (35 min.) : sd., col.; 1/2 in.

Summary

Animation evoking Maori art is used to tell seven stories based on the traditional spirit world of New Zealand's indigenous people. 1) Pania of the reef: Pania, a beautiful maiden of the sea, would warm herself by the rays of the setting sun and return to her family of seahorses and dolphins at dawn. One evening, a young chief came to get water and was enchanted by her. The two become lovers and had a son, Mori Mori, who frolicked with the creatures of the deep. Fearing that Pania and their son would return to the sea, the young man consulted the old chief who advised him to put cooked food on Pania to prevent her flight, but Pania awakened and fled. Their child became a shark; Pania was transformed into a reef. 2) Maui catches the sun: When people first lived on the land, the sun god raced across the sky, making it impossible for the people to complete their work. Maui and his brothers decided to capture Ra the sun god and hold him captive. After a long struggle, Ra agreed to slow his path across the sky and was released. 3) Kahukura's net: Kahukura was a dreamer who sat by the sea listening to voices telling him of a beach and strange lights. Impelled by his visions, Kahukura walked north until he reached the place of his dreams and saw strange footprints in the sand. As darkness fell, he saw lights emanating from the canoes of fairy fishermen. Throwing woven ropes into the sea, the fishermen demonstrated how a multitude of fish could be caught in this manner. Kahukura returned to his people with a net, a gift from the god of the sea. 4) Te Houtaewa's run: At the end of a beach in northern New Zealand lived two tribes. The leader of one was tall, strong and a fast runner who spent time eating shellfish. One day, hungry Te Houtaewa infiltrated the rival tribe's stronghold to steal some sweet potatoes. Surrounded by the enemy, Te houtaewa hurled himself down the hillside scattering his foes. The runner brought the potatoes to his mother, but years later, the offended tribe wreaked its revenge. 5) Rata and the canoe: Instructed by the chief to build a mighty canoe, Rata journeyed to the forest and cut down a great tree. However, Rata had forgotten to ask Tane, the god of the forest, to lift the sacred taboo. When Rata returned the next day, the tree stood tall and undamaged. Hiding in the bush, Rata discovered that birds and insects had restored the tree. Realizing his offense, Rata petitioned Tane for permission and that night, the insects and birds busily carved a great canoe which contained the spirit of Tane. 6) Tinirau's pet whale: Celebrating the birth of his son, Chief Tinirau asked the old priest Kae to bless the baby. After the ceremony, Tinirau showed the priest his pet whale and told him how he once saved the whale's life. Hearing this, Kae wanted to ride home on the whale. Later, the smell of cooking whale meat roused Tinirau and his wife. The old priest had eaten their beloved whale. Sad that their child would never play with the sea creature, Tinirau sent women to the priest to lull him to sleep. Under Tinirau's spell, the old man was rendered powerless, his end certain. 7) Rau Tapu, the magic feather: A long time ago, a boy named Po was playing on the beach while his grandmother searched for food. She accidentally poked a sea monster who repaid the offense by taking her grandson. A great bird came to the rescue and bore the boy away to a faraway place where he was greeted by an old man who cared for Po and taught him to fish. Yet, Po yearned for his people and the old man called the bird to return the boy to his tribe. The villagers did not recognize Po but he allayed their fears and asked them to bring gifts to the bird. Before the bird left, Po plucked a magic feather which enabled him and his descendants to fly.

Subject

• Animated films
• Tales, Māori (New Zealand people)
• Folklore, Māori (New Zealand people)

Credits (note)

• Director, Nicki Dennis.

Contents

Pania of the reef -- Maui catches the sun -- Kahukura's net -- Te Houtaewa's run -- Rata and the canoe -- Tinirau's pet whale -- Rau tapu (magic feather).

Title

Maori legends of New Zealand [videorecording] / New Zealand National Film Unit ; produced by Conon Fraser and Martin Townsend.

Imprint

Evanston, IL : Wombat/Altschul Group, 1986.

Credits

Director, Nicki Dennis.

Connect to:

Request Access to Reserve Film and Video Collection Special Collections material

Added Author

Dennis, Nicki.

New Zealand. National Film Unit.

Branch Call Number

VTH 1956 M