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The Creation of Tuna
Description
NameThe Creation of Tuna
DescriptionWelcome to the collection of stories around the creation of Tuna (eels), through the heritage panel at the tuna sculpture at Leeston.
Tuna (eels) are an important food source for the local hapū (sub-tribe) Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki and for the iwi Ngāi Tahu. In local tradition, the origin of the tuna in Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere can be traced back to an atua (deity) called Tuna o Runga i te Rangi (Tuna). Seeking relief from the dry heat, Tuna descended from the heavens into the waterway Muriwai o Whata. He frightened a local woman Hine Te Kaere when he swam between her thighs. To make the lake safe, a hīnaki (eel trap) was set in a drain called Te Ahuhu. Tuna was caught and cut into pieces. Cast out to sea, his head became the kōiro (conger eel), while his tail became the kanakana (lamprey). His body was cast inland to the lakes and rivers and became the long-fin and short-fin eels (tuna and hao) that we know today.
The longfin eel is found only in Aotearoa New Zealand and can be found in Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere as well as the lowland rivers and streams of Ellesmere that flow into the lake.
They are usually dark brown/black in colour and can grow up to two metres long and weigh up to 20kg.
The longfin tuna lives on average from 35 - 52 years, and sometimes up to 100 years in age.
Date2024
DescriptionWelcome to the collection of stories around the creation of Tuna (eels), through the heritage panel at the tuna sculpture at Leeston.Tuna (eels) are an important food source for the local hapū (sub-tribe) Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki and for the iwi Ngāi Tahu. In local tradition, the origin of the tuna in Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere can be traced back to an atua (deity) called Tuna o Runga i te Rangi (Tuna). Seeking relief from the dry heat, Tuna descended from the heavens into the waterway Muriwai o Whata. He frightened a local woman Hine Te Kaere when he swam between her thighs. To make the lake safe, a hīnaki (eel trap) was set in a drain called Te Ahuhu. Tuna was caught and cut into pieces. Cast out to sea, his head became the kōiro (conger eel), while his tail became the kanakana (lamprey). His body was cast inland to the lakes and rivers and became the long-fin and short-fin eels (tuna and hao) that we know today.
The longfin eel is found only in Aotearoa New Zealand and can be found in Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere as well as the lowland rivers and streams of Ellesmere that flow into the lake.
They are usually dark brown/black in colour and can grow up to two metres long and weigh up to 20kg.
The longfin tuna lives on average from 35 - 52 years, and sometimes up to 100 years in age.
Date2024Image
The Creation of Tuna (2024). Selwyn Stories, accessed 18/03/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6191
