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Story: Kōrero taiao

Motu Kōkako – Hole in the Rock

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Motu Kōkako – Hole in the Rock

Motu Kōkako (Hole in the Rock) in the Bay of Islands was said to be the landing place of the canoe Tūnui-a-rangi before it went to Ngunguru and Whangārei. It brings to mind the saying 'Te toka tū moana' (the rock standing in the sea). This refers to a person who stands against all adversity, just as a rock resists the power of the sea.

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GNS Science

Reference: CN9298/9

by Lloyd Homer

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How to cite this page

Basil Keane, Kōrero taiao – Good and bad qualities, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/8898/motu-kokako-hole-in-the-rock (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 1 March 2009.