Maori Myth
Storyboard Text
- Legend has it that deep in the Puketoi Range there once stood a gargantuan tōtara tree. Strong and proud, it endured in the range for many winters. This was no ordinary tōtara tree, for within its bark lived the mighty spirit Okatia.
- After years in the range, Okatia became restless and agitated, and was filled with a relentless desire to reach the sea. Okatia toppled the mighty tōtara and made his way north-west, decimating all that stood in his path.
- One day he came upon a mountain range nestled in the clouds and matching him in enormity and splendour. Okatia attempted to break through but the mountain range was strong and resisted each blow of the mighty tōtara.
- After many attempts, it seemed Okatia’s journey had ended. But his back was not so easily broken. Mighty and resilient, his will matched that of the mountain range. He summoned all his strength and with one blow of the colossal tōtara, he broke the mountain range in two.
- The Tararua and Ruahine Ranges were separated, and Te Āpiti, the Manawatū Gorge, was born. Okatia kept his direction and pace as he raced to the sea, never to be seen again. Te Āpiti stands as a reminder of his power and its beauty is that of legend.
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