There is a creation legend about the Waikato River
In this story there is a servant who happens to have a very helpful dog. The dog cuts a pathway through the land. He makes way for the healing waters of Tongariro to flow through to a very sick Taupiri and thus creating the pathway of the mighty Waikato
In this story there is a servant who happens to have a very helpful dog. The dog cuts a pathway through the land. He makes way for the healing waters of Tongariro to flow through to a very sick Taupiri and thus creating the pathway of the mighty Waikato
Together with our partner we illustrated this legend
using oil pastels and black paint
An Ancient Legend about the creation of the Waikato River
( Courtesy of Mesh Hamilton )
The legend began with siblings Tongariro and Taupiri mountains living side-by-side until marriage took Taupiri away to her new home near Ngaruawahia where, upon her arrival, she soon became ill. Taupiri believed that only the waters of her homeland could heal her so she sent a message to ask Tongariro to deliver her its healing waters.
Tongariro sent his faithful servant, in the form of a dog, to cut a pathway for the waters of Tongariro to reach Taupiri. It is said that the river widens and slows at Taupiri, so that she can still draw healing from its waters. The river became known as Waikato te Awa and its waters continue to provide life and prosperity to those who live amongst it today.
