THE LEGEND OF ROTOKAWAU

Turere, a nature lover, lived on the banks of the Tangarakau River where it joins the upper Whanganui River. One day, Tainui, the beautiful daughter of the chief of Putikituna heard Turere communing with nature and fell in love with him. But Ranginui, another chief, wanted Tainui for himself and chased Turere to the top of Kaierau hill, overlooking Whanganui, and strangled Turere to death. The gods, angered by Turere’s death, struck Ranginui down and sent rain for many days to cover his body. Tainui, who had followed her lover’s tracks, added her tears to the rain and Rotokawau was born.