Tamanuiterā

The Māori word for "sun" or "day" is rā, deriving from Proto-Polynesian *laqaa.

According to the Māori mythology the sun once moved across the sky so quickly there was not enough time in the day for people to complete tasks.

In winter, the sun rising in the north-eastern sky marked Tama-nui-te-rā residence with Hinetakurua.

After the winter solstice the sun's changing position to the south-eastern sky was described as Tama-nui-te-rā returning to Hineraumati.

[3] Another son of Tama-nui-te-ra is Auahitūroa, god of comets and fires, and grandchildren of Tama-nui-te-rā are Ngā Mānawa.