When Sir George became governor (in 1845) of New Zealand during the Maori wars, he soon perceived that to successfully govern and to conciliate that he needed to have a grasp of Maori language, manners, customs and religion. He found that the older chiefs were continually quoting from their ancient legends and poems. This inspired him to become acquainted with Maori mythology. Polynesian mythology is chiefly a translation of Nga Mahinge, comprising 23 legends including the children of heaven and earth, the legends of Maui and of Tawhaki and the discovery of New Zealand. Grey later recorded the mythology that he had collected for posterity, and the book was first published in 1855.