Tuna and Hiriwa

Tuna and Hiriwa – By Ripeka Takotowai Goddard, illustrated by Kimberley Andrews

This picture book tells the story of how the tuna (eel) got its silver belly but forever had to live in the dark depths of the river.

Tuna is in awe of a nymph that glows and dances along the riverbank of the Rangitīkei in the moonlight. Night after night he meets the nymph and basks in the moonlight, hoping that he will also glow, but he remains the same. Disappointed, he hatches a plan to take the nymph’s light. But the moon sees what Tuna does, and in her anger, she prevents Tuna from swimming in her moonlight again.

This legend-like story weaves a tale about why eels are seldom caught when the moon is full.

Format: This book is a Paper back.

Language: This book is written in English. The Te reo Māori version is also available: Tuna rāua ko Hiriwa