Dragons of Fame

Niua / Niwa / Hiwa

Type/Species: Taniwha
Origin: Maori (Māori) Mythology, New Zealand

History: Niwa, also regarded in different traditions as Niua or Hiwa, is a taniwha that inhabits Hokianga Harbour as one of the guardians. He is the north head of the harbor, and Araiteuru (Āraiteuru) is the south head. ¹

In some variations, the great explorer Kupe left Niwa behind to guard the harbor, since Niwa was once of his taniwha pets. Should any invaders try to land on shore, Araiteuru (Āraiteuru) and Niwa would thrash their terrible tails and cause the ocean to churn, leaving the invaders shipwrecked.²

1. Orbell 13
2. Gregory - The Hokianga Harbour

For more information about footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.