Taniwha “Supernatural creatures – some terrifying, others protective – are legendary in Māori tradition. Known as taniwha, they lurked in watery dens, or in caves, and were often depicted as dragons or serpents, with fiery eyes and lashing tails. Crucial to the stories of deadly taniwha were the heroic slayers, who triumphed with their cunning and courage.”

Year 10 students have researched a taniwha Māori legend from a place that they associate with in Aotearoa. They then drew, designed, tested and made a Taniwha that represents that place's name. They used an end roll of newsprint from Otago Daily Times to create a toile (or mock-up) in paper first to check that their patterns were correct, before sewing their taniwha. Students were only able to use recycled materials, (part of our sustainability practices) to sew their taniwha, which has allowed their designs to all be unique and original.

Below are some photos of Taniwha being developed and completed.