Dragons of Fame

Orira

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

History: Orira was one of the eleven taniwha sons of Araiteuru (Āraiteuru) of Hokianga Harbour.² Each of her eleven sons took a journey to see the country in which they lived, and each left his own mark on the harbor or surrounding country side.¹

Orira crossed through the lowlands to reach a mountain range he wished to see better. His burrowing created a tremendous commotion and attracted the attention of some locals. One of these locals, a giant, stopped him to see what the taniwha was doing.³ Orira, displeased at being stopped as he made his way through the Umawera hills, responded rather tartly to the giant.²

The giant, enraged at the youngster's offense, clubbed Orira over the head, killing the taniwha instantly. A small trench remains to this day where Orira met his end.²

1. Orbell 13
2. Gregory - The Hokianga Harbour
3. White 2 [Online Text]

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