The Maori creation myth tells the story of Rangi and Papa, the sky father and the earth mother who lie together in a tight embrace. Their six children, are forced to live in the darkness between them. These children are wondering what it would be like to live in the light and so they decide to separate their parents.
After many attempts Tāne, god of forests and birds, forces his parents apart. Instead of standing upright and pushing with his hands as his brothers have done, he lies on his back and pushes with his strong legs. Rangi and Papa continue to grieve for each other to this day. Rangi’s tears fall as rain towards Papa to show how much he loves her. When mist rises from the forests, these are Papa’s sighs…