Our Arts Celebration piece is inspired by a the story of Ngake and Whātaitai. This thrilling and moving pūrākau takes place in the ocean that is visible from our school, so it feels very immediate and close to home. It carries within it the story of how the land and sea in our area have been shaped by powerful forces, over time.
There are multiple versions of this story, some simple and some adding thought-provoking layers and details. Ben Ngaia's stunning book, Ngake Me Whātaitai, is a key source for us. Ben Ngaia sets out to tell the story from a Te Āti Awa perspective, capturing historical and cultural knowledge of local landmarks and offering a nuanced perspective on the characters of Ngake and Whātaitai. To find out more, click through to this article in The Sapling.
Here is a brief outline of the story.
We live on Te Ūpoko o Te Ika - the head of the great fish that Māui hauled out of the ocean (also known as the North Island of Aotearoa).
After it had been caught, the fish continued to flop about making it impossible to make a home on its back. The Kāhui Maunga, who lived on the back of the fish, put out a call for taniwha to come and help subdue the giant ika.
Ngake and Whātaitai are well-known. But actually three taniwha answered the call, the third being Naenae.
Naenae was a brave but smaller taniwha, and he did not have the strength to subdue the fish. However, the large and powerful Ngake was able to break the jawbone of the fish and stop it from flopping. In doing so, he broke through from the enclosed freshwater lake that is now the harbour, joining it up with the big ocean.
Ngake's friend, Whātaitai, was not as strong, but he was an intelligent and creative thinker. He decided to find a way to join his friend in the ocean. Whātaitai swam up the throat of the fish, hoping that the fish would spit him out into the ocean.
Whātaitai flew out of the fish's mouth into the air, along with three chunks of fish spittle (these became the islands Mātiu, Makāro and Mokopuna islands in the harbour). Sadly, though, he crashed down before he reached the water and was killed.
But, his spirit was released and remained alongside Ngake in the form of a bird.
Your child will be able to tell you more. Do also check out Ben Ngaio's book (there's a copy in Autahi at the moment).
Our Arts Celebration piece will feature taniwha music, and we have been thinking about the three different taniwha in this story. Drawing always helps us to get our ideas clear.
Here is Naenae. He is smaller but we imagine him full of grit and energy. After all, he came to help, even though not the biggest taniwha.
Next up, Ngake. We took inspiration from Ben Ngaia's story to make him long and sinuous, with fins for swimming.
Finally, Whātaitai, the big guy, with strong legs and a chunkier body. He shows powerful determination to bust through the fish's jawbone.
Our challenge now is to find ways to represent them musically! Watch this space.
