Te Wao Nui a Tāne refers to the great forest of Tāne in Māori mythology. It represents the sacred and abundant natural world, often depicted as a vast forest full of life, both plant and animal. Tāne Mahuta is a deity in Māori culture who is regarded as the god of forests, trees, and birds. According to Māori belief, Tāne created the first human being from the earth and separated the sky and the earth, allowing life to flourish in the forest.
The term "Te Wao Nui a Tāne" specifically refers to the domain or the realm of Tāne, which encompasses all the natural elements he governs. It is also used metaphorically to represent the entire ecosystem of forests and nature, signifying the deep spiritual and physical connection between the Māori people and the natural world.