Ruatoria
Ruatoria is home to the Ngati Porou Iwi or tribe ( www.ngatiporous.iwi.nz ) who have been bestowed with the protection of Mount Hikurangi (standing at 1,839m). According to Maori tradition, when Maui (a demi-god) fished the North Island out of the sea, Mount Hikurangi was the first point to emerge. Maui's canoe is believed to have been preserved through petrification and now rests on the mountain top. During the first sunrise of the millenium, a canoe with prow facing the east was unveiled in honour of Maui, the Ngati Porou and Maori. Ruatoria was also the hometown of Sir Apirana Ngata, the Minister of Native Affairs in 1928. He was also a member of the Young Maori Party and was thus instrumental in successfully lobbying the governement to gain equality in employment. He also set up Maori land development schemes and called for recognition of the Maori culture. Ruatoria was also the hometown of some much loved All Blacks.
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