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Kōrero: Rural mythologies

Rākaihautū

Image
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.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Private collection

by Brian Flintoff

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Jock Phillips, Rural mythologies – First traditions, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/artwork/20293/rakaihautu (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Jock Phillips, i tāngia i te 1 March 2009.