Story: Papatūānuku – the land
Pirongia mountain is shown in this 1861 watercolour by John Kinder. Mountains have a vital role in the tūrangawaewae (standing place) of different tribes. At the selection of the first Māori king, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, flax ropes were attached to a flagstaff to represent the mountains of the assembled tribes from around New Zealand. For the Waikato tribes, the flax ropes represented Pirongia and Taupiri mountains.
About this item
Auckland Art Gallery - Toi o Tamaki
Watercolour by John Kinder
Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
