Story: West Coast region
Poutini is the name of the taniwha (water spirit) that, according to legend, swims up and down the West Coast, protecting both the people and the mauri (life force) of pounamu (greenstone) that is characteristic of the region.
In the tradition of Poutini Ngāi Tahu, the West Coast tribe, Poutini saw a young woman, Waitaiki, bathing near Tūhua (Mayor Island) in the North Island, as pictured in this image. He abducted her and fled south, pursued by her husband. When they were in danger of capture, Poutini hid Waitaiki in the bed of the Arahura River, and changed her into pounamu before fleeing to the sea. Thus Waitaiki became the mother lode of all pounamu found around the Arahura River.
About this item
New Zealand Geographic Board Nga Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa
Artwork by Cliff Whiting
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