What does the maori word Turehu mean?

Answer 1

A Turehu is a term which is not commonly used nowadays due to the large mixing of races. However in the olden days to maori when a child who is born relatively fair compared to the rest of the whanau (family), he/she is called a Turehu because there is no explanation for his pale appearance. He/she will be more fair-skinned or fair-haired than the others and may even have blue/green eyes, and often this trait runs in families - some whanau having one turehu in each generation or so. The legends say that a Turehu is descended from Patupaiarehe (fairy folk). Another name for Turehu is 'Waka Blonde', waka being the canoes on which the maori sailed to NZ on from their place of origin.

Answer 2

In Maori mythology, Turehu are fairy-like beings or spirits who are sometimes described as tall and fair-skinned. They are said to inhabit forests and mountains and are associated with beauty and enchantment.