Long ago there were many tribes that shared a track between their homes. Sometimes it followed a river and sometimes it wound through bush. This was a safe way to travel to important events or visit relatives in another area.

Then people began to disappear. Not much thought was given to this until a taniwha surprised and terrified a family group. The son of a chief named Te Rereawa was snatched as the rest fled. Te Rereawa wanted to try and save his son, but his wife Moana pleaded with him to also flee.

Right then and there, Te Rereawa names the taniwha Te Hiakai Tangata o Tuarā-Rangaia – the Man-eater of Tuarā-Rangaia.

With his family they decide to leave and alert nearby tribes of the monster in their midst. At first no-one believes them, but when Te Rereawa describes the immense tuatara-like creature with its sharp spines along its back and its swishing tail with even more deadly spines, the people listen carefully, asking more questions.

Now with no doubt of this taniwha’s terror along their shared track, hui after hui are called and well attended, with plan after plan to defeat and kill the taniwha.

But this is no stupid beast, and it defeats warrior after warrior, even when a consenting princess is offered to any warrior that slays the beast. Again and again, this taniwha prevails. The children of the tribes have been talking among themselves, sure that they, not the mighty warriors, have the answer to their woes. But their parents and elders refuse to listen.

First published in 1999, this tale is shared by a narrator in a storytelling format. I can easily imagine this being read by teachers to classes year 4 (NZ) and up, although beware of the gruesomeness of this particular taniwha.

I’m glad this has been republished as I missed it the 1st time round. It is a truly gripping tale as the taniwha defeats the brave warriors and their attack plans over and over, leaving me wondering how they would overcome this terrible foe.

The children’s determination to approach things another way, even though this creature had proved itself to be vicious again and again, was inspiring. As Einstein said – “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

Māori customs and rituals are followed through the story within huis with karakia’s, protocols, war strategies and mana, allowing the young reader (or listener) to learn a little about these (including myself). A glossary of te reo is a handy tool at the back if any of these words are new to the reader. Each chapter begins with a black & white illustration and at 123 pages it is a quick but engaging read.    

Author – Hirini Moko Mead

Illustrator – Rewiti Arapere

Age – 9+

(Huia Publishers, 1999, 2022, Taniwha, Storytelling, Gripping, Action, Mystery, Gruesome, Revenge, Grisly, New Zealand, NZ, Aotearoa, Māori, Warriors, Bravery, Courage, Chase, Hunt, Outsmart, Cunning, Man-eater, Traps, Secret, Waka, Hui, Love)