Tanemahuta, who parted heaven and sky, and breathed life into woman

‘What is it?’

‘The tree.’ The way he spoke it made me aware of our common perception of the sacred liveliness and vigour of Tanemahuta, the God of the forest, who once shoulders the earth and trample on the sky as a tree to make way for this world; the creation.

‘Tanemahuta.’

Tane smiled. The joy filled him. The little pride was not a problem.

‘Yes, the growth of forests. It’s green here.’ I couldn’t help but look at the shades of green of the embroidery on his shirt.

Tane seemed to sympathize with Tanemahuta. It is a flattery for him. He seemed happy. Didn’t at least someone tell him this convenient compliment, his parents at least?

I went on, ‘Tanemahuta breathes life into the first human female.’

‘I know.’ He spoke again, ‘but I’m not going to tell you her name.’

I smiled, ‘Maybe I know.’

‘That’s what you can get from the websites. I’ve got a better name.’

‘Better name? Why won’t you tell me?’

He smiled, contented with keeping the name secret to himself.