The Story of Hine and Tāne Mahuta - Day 12
Long ago, Hine-te-Aroha, a daughter of the great chief Tāwhaki, was known for her beauty and devotion to the atua (gods). She was deeply connected to Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forest and creator of humankind. In a past life, Hine had pledged herself to Tāne Mahuta, dedicating her aroha (love) and wairua (spirit) to him.
However, her father Tāwhaki disapproved of Tāne Mahuta. He saw Tāne as a humble being who spent his days nurturing the ngahere (forest) and the creatures of the world, living a simple life far from the wealth and prestige of a chief. Tāwhaki wanted his daughter to marry a great warrior or chief, someone who could uphold their mana (status). When Tāwhaki held a grand celebration to find a suitable match for Hine, Tāne Mahuta, knowing his humble lifestyle would draw scorn, chose not to attend.
Despite Tāne’s warning, Hine attended the celebration out of loyalty to her father. During the festivities, Tāwhaki openly ridiculed Tāne Mahuta, speaking of his simple ways and lack of riches. Hine, unable to bear the insults to her beloved, declared her undying love for Tāne and consigned herself to the ceremonial fire, joining the wairua realm.
Tāne Mahuta, upon learning of this, was overwhelmed with aroha and grief. He sent his mighty winds, led by Tāwhirimātea, to dismantle Tāwhaki’s gathering and humble the chief for his arrogance. Yet, Tāne’s love for Hine remained steadfast, and he vowed to bring her back. Hine was reborn as Hine-te-Waiora, the daughter of the sacred mountain ranges.
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The Test of Devotion
As she grew, Hine-te-Waiora remembered her bond with Tāne Mahuta and began her karakia (prayers) to him. She vowed to marry only Tāne, despite her father showing her many wealthy and powerful suitors. Her devotion turned into months of rigorous karakia and fasting atop a sacred maunga (mountain).
The ngahere (forest) around her became peaceful, the winds softened, and even the fiercest creatures of the wild grew tame in her presence. Seasons came and went, but her focus never wavered.
Meanwhile, Tāne Mahuta, still grieving his past loss, had vowed never to take another partner. However, the atua noticed the chaos spreading in the human world as malevolent forces thrived unchecked. It was prophesied that only a child born of Tāne Mahuta and Hine-te-Waiora could restore balance.
To test her aroha and devotion, Tāne disguised himself as an old koroua (elder) and visited her. Pretending to doubt Tāne’s worth, he mocked him, saying, “Why would you dedicate yourself to a humble atua who lives among trees and birds? You could marry a great chief who could provide wealth and status.”
Hine-te-Waiora, though respectful, became enraged. “You may be an elder, but your words dishonor the one I love. Tāne Mahuta is the kaitiaki (guardian) of all life, and his mana is unmatched. I will hear no more of your insults!”
At that moment, the koroua revealed himself as Tāne Mahuta. “You have proven your unwavering aroha and devotion,” he said with pride. He took her as his bride, and together they returned to the sacred ngahere to restore harmony to the world.
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Moral of the Story
This story teaches us that aroha (love) and pono (devotion) have the power to overcome all obstacles. When guided by sincerity and deep faith, even the greatest challenges can be transformed. Like Hine-te-Waiora, we are reminded to remain steadfast in our values and trust in the wairua to guide us. True love is not swayed by wealth or appearances but rooted in deep connection and understanding. Through aroha and devotion, balance and harmony can be restored to ourselves and the world around us.
Charities turning away high numbers of volunteer applications
Charities are turning away people wanting to volunteer amidst a flood of interest they say is linked to the high rate of unemployment.
It comes as some businesses receive thousands of applications for paid roles and people look for experience anywhere they can.
The advocacy organisation Volunteering NZ has been tracking the trend. Spokesperson Margaret McLachlan said there has been a considerable rise in applications for volunteer roles across a range of charities.
Many application forms asks people to divulge if they are job hunters.
"Over the last year or so, they are seeing more people coming in who are saying they are in that category. They are looking for work but doing volunteering while that process is taking place."
"As unemployment increases and the cost of living, times are tougher for everybody."
At the same time, she said community organisations supporting social services were busier and needed more helpers.
McLachlan said depending on the organisation, they might want to do a police check, a reference check and an interview.
"In some cases it can be a process to go through and not always, and that can take some time.
"It's actually the same barriers that a person might find in finding a job, can also apply to volunteering. It's not always a easy option."
SPCA had 120 op shops and animal rescue centres across the country in which volunteers worked.
General manager of retail Cathy Crichton said they received about 1300 extra applications for volunteer roles, a 32 percent increase, from June to November 2025, compared to 2024.
"There's definitely a nudge forward which is very exciting and we're very grateful."
But it meant they were not accepting any more volunteers in some areas.
"Because the applications are up it's a unique scenario. But at this point in time, in smaller locations, we've actually got a hold in 19 locations in New Zealand where we are at capacity - and that's very rare and it's a very new trend."
Crichton said anyone seeking volunteer work should think creatively about what skills they can offer - it could be in administration or marketing.
"We'd love to welcome as many people as we could because the more hands on deck the more we can do and the more we can contribute to the community."
She said people were self-motivated to apply for volunteer work.
The unemployment rate rose to 5.3 percent in the September quarter, meaning 160,000 people were jobless. The next quarterly figures are out in February.
"There's a willingness to give back and contribute to the community. Unemployment being high really does encourage people to engage with the workforce and get experience," Crichton said.
"It really is about staying connected with the community and meeting others."
She said they had also seen an increase in young people seeking volunteer work experience.
"It's a great opportunity to get work experience and a reference and there's an appeal there as an employer...I really do think it adds value to a CV."
Stats NZ data showed over half of New Zealanders, 53 percent, volunteered during March 2025 and of those, 27.6 percent volunteered through an organisation and 40.8 percent volunteered directly for another person.
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The best board games to play (and gift) this summer
Over the holiday period, the right game can make all the difference. So which board games should you try out – and which ones should you gift?
1. Sushi Go Party
This colourful, fast-paced game has great art, and a "menu" that can be changed depending on the number of players (up to eight) and their familiarity with the game.
Players win the game by creating the best combination of cards, depending on what's available, by rotating the cards from player to player like a sushi train. It's easy to learn and relatively cheap.
2. Wavelength
In this party game, teams have to try and guess the location of a hidden target on a spectrum, using a clue from one "psychic" team member. The ends of the spectrum reflect two binaries, such as hot–cold or optional–mandatory, and the target falls somewhere in between.
The closer the team gets to where the psychic thinks the target should go, the more points they score. Wavelength is one of those games where no matter if your team gets it right or wrong, you can expect people to give their two cents.
3. Mysterium and Mysterium Park
In these team games, players play mediums seeking the counsel of another player – a ghost – who gives them clues to important information about murders in the house, including the ghost’s own murder.
The ghost offers the other players tarot cards with abstract artwork with which they must attempt to discern the murder weapon, location and culprit.
4. The Quacks of Quedlinburg
This game sees players take the role of potion makers at the local fair, who must push their luck by drawing ingredients out of a bag to make the best potions without them blowing up in their face. It’s simple to teach and hilarious when someone else blows up their cauldron (although arguably less when it’s you).
5. Modern Art
This is one of the most celebrated games from board game designer luminary Reiner Knizia. Players are art dealers auctioning off beautiful paintings done by five professional artists. Players might even forget to play as they get caught up in simply admiring the pieces they are auctioning off.
Modern Art remains a fiendishly clever game that is easy to learn but hard to master.
6. Heat: Pedal to the Metal
This strategic racing game is based on 1960s Formula 1 racing. The base game boasts four tracks on two gorgeous boards, and lovely little cars that pass each other and risk spinning out around corners.
7. Nemesis
By far the most expensive (and complicated) game on this list, Nemesis can best be described as Alien: the board game.
Players have to move through a spaceship, discovering rooms and items as they go, taking care not to alert the horrific extraterrestrials that have managed to get onto the ship – represented by amazingly designed pieces. It’s a truly tense and fun experience for a full afternoon.
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Today’s Mind-Bender is the Last of the Year! Can You Guess It Before Everyone Else? 🌟🎁🌲
I dance in the sky with green and gold, a spectacle few are lucky to behold; I’m best seen in the south, a celestial sight—what am I, lighting up the New Zealand night?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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