Tāne, who separated his parents Ranginui (the sky) and Papātūanuku (the earth), is the god of the ‘Ngahere’ forest. The forest trees, including tōtara, kawakawa, kowhai, puriri, karaka, ponga, hārakeke and manuka are also taonga used for many uses such as tangihana, rongoa and for making useful items such as kete, baskets,and potae  – in flower or fruit we know the sign of the seasons for gathering of kai.