In Room 10 we have been learning about a range of Māori myths including Te Ika a Maui. A myth is a traditional, usually ancient story involving supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes. It is used to explain aspects of the natural world or to show the thoughts, customs, or ideals of a group of a society. Myths exist in every world culture including New Zealand Māori.

We watched the Ngāti Whatua version of Te Ika a Maui (The Fish of Maui) then we looked at the Peter Gossage version. We then had a go at writing a new version of the myth using elements from both of the myths.

Zac Williams in Room 10 wrote this creative version.

It was the year 2099 and the people of New Zealand had stopped believing in Māori spirituality. As Maui and his brothers looked down from heaven they were horrified and decided they would do something about it. They flew down to earth and were astonished by how much it had all changed. There were big buildings everywhere, much different from when they had lived there. It was the middle of winter and Dunedin was absolutely freezing. The air was crisp and snow was lightly falling to the ground as people busily walked along to the places they had to go. This was quite different from the small tribes that Maui had left behind and he wondered if they were happier than he had been.

Back to their mission to remind the people of their god. He ran around talking to people and telling them the legends. “Kia Kaha '' he said “do you remember me?”. But the people just ignored him. He was so frustrated so he tried another tactic. Taking his brothers he went to a tv studio and picked a film to show about Maui to thousands of people. But nobody was interested and just changed the channel.

By now Maui was furious and decided to take away everything he had ever given them. Firstly he removed the mountains making the entire land flat. The water overflowed and covered the land, people and houses. Everyone was screaming but they would still not listen to him. In a deep booming voice Maui yelled. “None of you believed in me so I will show you my strength”.

The people watched from the boats as Maui took fire from the land so the people would have no warmth or light. Lastly he freed the sun allowing it to travel away from New Zealand.

The people could not believe what they were seeing and instantly regretted their decisions and changed their minds. They all believed instantly that Maui was the real Demigod and Maui felt much better as he flew back to heaven knowing the precious land would now be safe.

Over the next few weeks Maui started returning things back to normal and he knew he wouldn't have to come back for another 200 years.