Synopsis

Rakaihautu was the captain of the waka Uruaokapuarangi, and an ancestor of various iwi, most famously of Waitaha and other southern iwi, though he is also known in the traditions of Taitokerau, and even in those of Rarotonga. In Maori traditions, once Rakaihautu landed Uruao at the top of the South Island, he moved southward and dug up many of the island's major lakes using a magical ko, filling them with food for his many descendants. During the new years break, I was traveling from Nelson home to Wanaka passing many of the landmarks credited to Rakaihautu and that inspired this poem and short film. Captured candidly while staying at various spots along the road home.—Joe Murdie