Maori legends weave a pathway for an understanding of natural phenomena.

Toni Hoeta is a Science Engagement Coordinator at the Otago Museum in Dunedin, New Zealand. She uses traditional Maori stories to help students open to the world of science. For many years, the Maori, the indigenous inhabitants of NZ, had their language, their music and their traditions suppressed by European settlers who ruled the country. Now, in a period of reconciliation, Maori culture is reemerging and finding its place in Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand.

The music music heard in the podcast is from the CD book, “Singing Treasures” by Brian Flintoff, featuring musicians Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns. You can hear more of their music on the album Te Ku Te Whe, 1994, Rattle Records, New Zealand, number RAT- D0004. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices