Story: Rural mythologies

Rākaihautū

Rākaihautū

This work by Brian Flintoff shows Waitaha ancestor Rākaihautū digging out the lakes of the South Island with his kō (digging stick). The ancestors of Māori found that it was difficult to grow tropical crops in New Zealand. However, the story of Rākaihautū reflects the importance of crop cultivation to Māori.

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Private collection
Mixed media by Brian Flintoff

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How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'Rural mythologies - First traditions', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/20293/rakaihautu (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 24 Nov 2008