Te wao nui a Tāne – the great forest of Tāne

Native forest is said to be the domain of Tāne Mahuta, a Māori god or deity.

After the separation of the celestial parents of the world, Ranginui and Papatūānuku, Tane Māhuta clothed his mother in vast green forests and bushland. He then sent his children to inhabit the land now created.