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Story: Kōrero taiao

The meanings of mountains

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The meanings of mountains

Lofty mountains, such as snow-capped Ruapehu, were often evoked in sayings. One proverb urges, ‘Whāia e koe te iti kahurangi: ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei.’ (Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.)

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How to cite this page

Basil Keane, Kōrero taiao – Sayings and proverbs from the natural world, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/8891/the-meanings-of-mountains (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 1 March 2009.