The Taniwha is a beast of Maori Mythology. It is a Guardian of deep ponds in rivers, dark caves and the ocean. Closely interlinked with the land, it punishes any who dare to break Tapu (taboos) and has been used to defend land from development. If one has interacted with a taniwha in their life, then it is possible that they shall become one after death. Likewise, some woman have been known to have relations with male taniwha and produce taniwha offspring.
