Welcome to Te Wao Nui a Tane, selected songs by acclaimed story and song writer, Hirini Melbourne. This unique collection, illustrated beautifully by Te Maari Gardiner, celebrates the living world of New Zealand's native forest, from the dawn of a new day to nightfall. Share the world of Tane with your children and family - a treasure for the years to come. Whiti te R? Tamanui-te-r? is the full name of the sun in M?ori. He married Hineraumati (summer) who had Tamarore (heat shimmer) the prince of dance. Te Rere a Tirairaka The flight of the fantail is similar to the movements of a warrior wielding a taiaha in a challenge. The sounds made by a challenger are also similar to those of a fantail. The dance of a man wielding a Taiaha was inspired by the movements of a fantail.

Accolades

Winner of New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards: Non-Fiction Award 2000.

Author Biography

Hirini Melbourne was an internationally acclaimed performing artist, an author , a researcher, a book reviewer, and a tohunga of making and playing traditional M?ori instruments.