Heretical Notes from the South

Pakeha

While some European descendants in New Zealand dislike the term Pakeha and others accept it for themselves, few are really aware of the origins. A variety of often derogatory definitions abound, such as "visitor to the Pa" and "white pig". However, the more likely (and even many modern "authorities" accept it) is a derivitive of the word Pakepakeha, refering to mythical fair-skinned and fair-haired beings who inhabited New Zealand before the arrival of the Maori. The Pakepakeha were sometimes described as "Gods of the Sea" who taught the Maori how to make fishing nets.

Original Inhabitants

While being a long way from the Sinister homelands, New Zealand is also rich with ancient magick, and perhaps the source of legends for some farflung cultures. It is known that the ancient Phonecians and Libyans had visted New Zealand, and there is evidence of permanent settlements, some remnants having been unearthed during a slip at Mount Tauhara which had been buried during an erruption of what is now Lake Taupo. Some archaeologists point to ancient maps which clearly depict Australia and New Zealand, as well as suggesting that the legendary Roc was inspired by the tales of travellers who actually saw the Giant Eagle that once lived in New Zealand.

Maori legends tell of both peaceful contact and raging battles with the fair-skinned and fair- or red-haired inhabitants of New Zealand who were here when before the Maori themselves arrived. There is some evidence of Celtic type ruins throughout New Zealand, and some connections can be made etymologically between the Celtic God Taranis (thunder) with Taranaki, a volcano which undoubtedly thundered, although in all likelihood before settlement by Polynesian cultures.

In legends the original inhabitants are often considered magickal beings, fairy-folk, however not diminutive in stature, but fair-skinned human size beings. These people were called by various names including Urukehu, Turehu, Patupaiarehe.

Beyond the myth and legend, skeletons have been unearthed at burial sites unknown the the Maori themselves. The skeletons are those of caucasians, and often they have been buried in a manner unliked any of the Maori tribes.