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Benevolent nature spirits in the folklore of the Tubetube and Wangawga people of Melanesia. These intensely shy beings dwell in trees and dread being seen by humans. However, they have been known to borrow canoes belonging to mortals, for it is said they are not able to build their own seagoing craft.

In one account, two bariaua borrowed a canoe one night to go fishing. Returning to shore in the early hours of dawn, they were surprised by an early-riser, a man named Burea. They disappeared immediately, leaving their catch of fish and their net in the canoe.

Burea shared the fish with the other villagers and hung the net up in the potama, or clubhouse.

The next morning the net had gone, claimed back by the bariaua, but the kindly spirits did not inflict any punishment upon Burea for eating their haul of fish.