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Story: Manawatū and Horowhenua region

The story of the Manawatū River

The story of the Manawatū River

According to Māori tradition, a great tōtara tree on the slopes of Puketoi mountain range was possessed of a spirit, Ōkatia. The tree drove through the mountain barrier of Ruahine and Tararua, creating a river gorge in the process. It then followed a path to the sea.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Jock Phillips

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How to cite this page:

Malcolm McKinnon. 'Manawatū and Horowhenua region', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 2-Mar-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/manawatu-and-horowhenua-region/13/1