Many of the Maori myths and legends have a purpose, for example, Taranaki (Mount Egmont) in the North Island had a row with his family and moved to the west coast of the island.

Few Maori live in the centre of the island, which has potential to the unstable in terms of volcanic activity and earthquakes, in case the mighty Taranaki comes stomping back to reunite with his relatives! New Zealand's unique and mysterious landscape has been discovered by Hollywood and the filming of the popular television series Hercules and Xena, looks at Greek, rather than Maori mythology.