Rūaumoko

Sources present variant birth/origin accounts. In a commonly cited variant Rūaumoko was at his mother's breast when the children separated their parents, so he was carried into the world below; in that account Tama-kaka is said to have given him fire for warmth. Other versions say he remains in Papatūānuku's womb and that his movements there cause earthquakes. Some regional traditions pair him with his brother Mataaho in accounts that explain the creation of the Auckland volcanic field as retribution for a conflict between patupaiarehe tribes. (Variants and attributions are summarized from the cited secondary sources.)

The supplied sources do not provide a consistent or detailed physical description of Rūaumoko's outward form. One secondary source notes the existence of carvings (e.g., a carving referenced in museum/online material) but the provided materials give no authoritative iconographic description.

Rūaumoko's movements beneath or within the earth are credited with causing tremors, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; several sources further state that these seismic actions are linked to seasonal change—bringing the warmth or cold of Papatūānuku to the surface depending on the time of year. In some accounts he is also said (invariantly attributed as a variant) to cause atmospheric or visual effects described as the shimmering of hot air associated with the haka of Tane-rore. Regional variants attribute to him a role in creating volcanic features such as the Auckland volcanic field alongside Mataaho.