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Story: Taniwha

Mangō taniwha

Mangō taniwha

Looking at this great white shark, with jaws bared, it is no wonder that these creatures were traditionally linked with taniwha. The great white’s Māori name was Makō (or Mangō) taniwha.

About this item

NIWA - National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Photograph by Malcolm Francis

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How to cite this page:

Basil Keane. 'Taniwha', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 25-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/taniwha/5/2