Whaitere - Stingray

Whaitere – the enchanted stingray

In Māori tradition, the stingray (whai) is often regarded as a kaitiaki that ensures the abundance of the sea when people follow proper tikanga (customs). The story of Whaitere specifically highlights modern issues like overfishing and habitat destruction, making it a popular educational resource for teaching children about marine conservation.

Transformation: In the underworld, Whaitere's parents took her to a sacred cave of Papatūānuku (Earth Mother). When she touched a magical pounamu (greenstone) rock, she was transformed. Her dark skin took on the iridescent colours of pāua shell, and she was gifted magical powers.