Taniwha (Topical Term)

Whakamārama: He hanga weriweri, he hanga whakamataku, he kai tangata, he wā anō e noho kaitiaki ai, he wai hōhonu tōna kāinga.

Scope Note: Water spirits, creatures, chiefs, something or someone awesome who take many forms from logs to reptiles and whales and often live in lakes, rivers or the sea. They are often regarded as guardians by the people who live in their territory.