The drawing of a tokotoko, the walking–talking stick held by speakers on the marae, depicts the versions of the creation myth that tells of Tāne separating Ranginui and Papatūānuku.
It was Tāne, too, who became the progenitor of humankind, so the tokotoko shaft also represents his ure. The tokotoko has small forms extending from it, with a thin shadow of aho, or fishing, lines behind. There are five sections down the shaft, which relate directly to the book’s parts: Creation; The Ancestors; The Sea to the Land; Mythical Beings; and Rarohenga.
(1) At the top, Matariki stars drift behind the handle/ure, spilling whakapapa marks. The lashing of the handle’s binding symbolises the whakapapa or the layered stages of creation itself (Te Kore, Te Pō, Te Ao, etc). A crushed Māui attempts to separate the handle from the shaft, the first part of the creation.
(2) Beneath this, a moon cycle orbits the ancestors.
(3) The water cycle (encompassing cloud, waterfall and rainbow colours) floats from the third part of the tokotoko, referencing the Sea to the Land section.
(4) Further down, taniwha arms escape from the tokotoko to depict the mythical beings.
(5) The fifth part of the book, Rarohenga or the underworld, is represented with whakarei lines (customary whakairo or carving ornamentation).
Ngā mihi —
James F. Ormsby
So, you’ve watched a particular hockey romance series that left you wanting more? You’ve come to the right place. After all, every great series is based on an even better book.
Cath, our Penguin NZ Children's Publisher on what makes STEPPING UP by David Hill a very special book
Children's books to encourage understanding, kindness and inclusion.
Join the analogue movement! Check out four key tips for the best screen free hobbies, from colouring in to starting a book club.
Come and join as Elisabeth Easther launches Seed, her always hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking new novel
Take this quiz to find out whether you're a Beth, Amy, Jo or Meg!
The summer holidays are the perfect time to encourage kids to learn something new and explore their interests!
The film adaptation of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation is fast approaching it’s January release. The film follows Poppy and Alex over 12 summers as their relationship transforms from enemies, to friends, to… you’ll have to wait and see.
Love talking about books online? Sign up for our influencer programme, Penguin Previews!
SenLinYu shares the books that influenced the writing of Alchemised. From gothic horror to Jane Austen, learn about the classics that inspired the author.
Discover some of the best Christmas colouring books for kids and adults alike!