Ngārara – te aitanga a Punga

Ngārara is a term commonly used as a translation for reptiles. However, its traditional meaning also includes insects. Ngārara as an animal grouping is an example of how Māori categories for animals diverge from those of science.

In whakapapa terms, ngārara are the progeny of Punga, son of Tangaroa, whose descendants were said to be ugly and repulsive, hence the name te aitanga a Punga.

Learn more about ngārara – te aitanga a Punga in this article.

Image: Tuatara spines.