Māui becomes annoyed with Irawaru and stretches out his limbs, turning him into a dog.
In other Ngā Puhi Nui Tonu mythology, three dogs were brought to Aotearoa by Kupe.
During the arrival to Aotearoa they were sent to Cape Reinga with a few men to guard the escape of their souls.
In traditional Māori society, dogs (kurī) were given the best cuts of meat and were highly regarded as sacred.
The story accounts for the characteristics of dogs: they warn of danger or night raids, they respond to commands, and are loyal companions that ward off evil spirits.