In Māori mythology, Ranginui (father sky) and Papa-tū-ā-nuku (earth mother) existed in a loving embrace, shutting out all light. Tāne Mahuta, one of their 70 children, grew tired of the darkness created by his parents and pushed them apart, forming Te Ao Mārama (the world of light). He brought wisdom and understanding from the sky, and Tāne became guardian over all creatures, trees, birds, and insects.
Today, on New Zealand’s North Island, the kauri (pronounced co-ree) tree named Tāne Mahuta towers 177 feet (51 meters) over the Waipoua Forest. Measuring 53