Favourite Maori Legends

Māori myths and legends have an important role in transmitting and regenerating traditional knowledge. Yet as Ross Calman points out in his introduction to this new edition, they are also simply great yarns – reflective of a time when telling and listening to stories was a key leisure activity in Māori society. Favourite Māori Legends is an invitation to enjoy over 30 of the most memorable legends, grouped into themes of the spirit world, patupaiarehe (ghosts), taniwha, supernatural creatures, heroes and deeds of daring. Concise yet complete, these gripping stories are enlivened by the timeless illustrations of Roger Hart.

A. W. REED (1908–1979) was one of New Zealand’s most influential writers and publishers. He helped build A.H. & A.W. Reed into the country’s leading publisher by the mid-twentieth century, and authored more than 200 books. His works on Maori mythology have served New Zealanders for several generations.

ROSS CALMAN(Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa, Kāi Tahu) is a highly respected author and editor; his works include the revised Reed Book of Māori Mythology and Reed Book of Maori Exploration, along with several Māori–English dictionaries. Ross lives in Wellington with his wife and two children.