The Atua of Oceans, Tides, and Marine Life

🌿 The Pillar of Legend: The Master of the Deep

Tangaroa is the master of all that dwells beneath the waves. He is a powerful figure who can be calm and providing, or fierce and stormy. He controls the tides, which Māori see as the heartbeat of the ocean. He is the father of all fish and sea creatures.

🔍 The Pillar of Connection: The Blue Highway

Tangaroa is the source of kaimoana (seafood) and teaches us about the interconnectedness of land and sea.

• In the Classroom: Talk about keeping beaches clean so Tangaroa’s children don't get sick from plastic.

• Science Link: Explore the tides. Why does the water go out and come back in?

💡 The Pillar of Challenge: The "Ako" Activity

The Ocean’s Gift:

1. Close your eyes and listen to a recording of waves.

2. Imagine you are a kaitiaki (guardian) of the beach.

3. The Goal: Name three things you can do to make sure the ocean stays healthy for the next 100 years.