Polynesian Mythology · Character

Kuiwai

A woman who brings the kumara to New Zealand.

minor

Also known as Ko Kuiwai

Kuiwai's tie to Manaia is one of the pressures that moves Polynesian Mythology—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Wife of Manaia and sister of Ngātoroirangi; beaten and cursed by Manaia, she sends her daughter and companions to seek revenge.

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With Manaia (family): Kuiwai is Manaia's wife, often caught in the middle of his conflicts. With Manaia (family): Kuiwai is Manaia's wife,…

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The fuller portrait of Kuiwai sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

Character Web

5 connections

A slice of how Kuiwai sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Character groups

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Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

This excerpt marks the story's dramatic climax because it presents the psychological peak of the narrator's in…

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Manaia
family · ambivalent
Kuiwai is Manaia's wife, often caught in the middle of his conflicts. How this plays out →
Manaia
family · ambivalent
Kuiwai is Manaia's wife, often caught in the middle of his conflicts. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

Kuiwai appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Kuiwai unlock in the free preview.