Tarakura of the Rangitāiki Plains
This exciting, fast-paced myth retells a traditional story from Ngāti Awa. It portrays one chief’s courageous actions to protect his iwi from the taniwha Tarakura.
About this resource
Series: School Journal Level 3 September 2012
Reading year level: 6
Category: Fiction
Topics: tohunga, myth, traditional, Ngāti Awa, chief, iwi, taniwha
Tarakura of the Rangitāiki Plains
Words by Bernadine Ngaheu
Iratumoana, the chief, displays many qualities: bravery, fortitude, and decisiveness. He also shows wisdom and humility, understanding that he must consult and work with others if he is to prevail over the taniwha. The chief provides a positive role model of someone who puts himself in physical danger for the good of the community.
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More from this series
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School Journal Level 3 September 2012
Inside this School Journal are two articles (Mary Anning Fossil Hunter; The Dinosaur Hunter), and one story (Tarakura of the Rangitāiki Plains).
1 of 3The Dinosaur Hunter
This article tells the story of a New Zealand woman who, like Mary Anning (see “Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter”), had a great curiosity about rocks and the fossils in them.
2 of 3Mary Anning Fossil Hunter
This report tells the story of Mary Anning, who was born in 1799. Her lifelong interest in hunting for “curios” led to some important finds that caught the attention of scientists from around the world.
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