50 Cents - Charles III Fuller Portrait - Forest Taniwha

Te ao Maori (the Maori world) has many mythological references to supernatural entities and beings which dwell in te ao wairua (the spiritual realm). Taniwha feature prominently as powerful entities that can have both positive or a negative influence on people and environments. Although they are often depicted as fearsome in appearance, they can appear in many different forms. Taniwha are also known to dwell in te ao kikokiko (the terrestrial realm) and there are many narratives speaking of them. These stories give names and locations of taniwha, and they also describe what form and appearance each taniwha assumes. There are also waiata (songs) and haka (dances) attributed to their taniwha. Taniwha in their earthly form are often elemental in appearance, such as wood, wind, water or stone. Whether celestial or terrestrial, taniwha are a special part of te ao Maori and the peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In many Maori legends, the taniwha are supernatural beings that live in caves, water and forest. Some of these creatures are protective while others are terrifying. These taniwhas can be depicted as giant lizards, reptile-like sea creatures or even logs of wood in the river.