History
The footprint of Rongokako (te tapuwae o Rongokako), an ancestor of East Coast tradition, is embedded in one of the rocky structures of the marine reserve, close to shore.
Many traditions abound regarding Rongokako. There is general agreement that he was a man of immense athletic prowess and dexterity, a giant who could stride enormous distances. His origins are unclear. Some say he was the father of the famous Tamatea and came from Hawaiki in the Takitimu canoe. Others say he came in the Horouta canoe. Another version suggests that his arrival was as mysterious as his departure.
Local tradition suggests that Rongokako was sent by Kiwa to investigate the late arrival of the Horouta waka to Turanganuia-Kiwa. On his arrival at Ohiwa, a disagreement arose between Rongokako and Paoa and they engaged in a titanic struggle. This culminated in a chase by Paoa of his fleet footed adversary down the East Coast shoreline.
Paoa was no match for him.
To help overtake Rongokako, he had set a large rat trap to snare the giantís pet, an enormous kiwi. The wily Rongokako sprang the trap which flew inland forming Mount Arowhana. The site of the trap became Tawhiti, an area of land between Te Puia and Tokomaru Bay.
In this epic encounter, Rongokako left footprints in the flat rocks as he strode down the eastern seaboard of the North Island. The first of these tapuwae (footprints) is at Wharekahika (Hickís Bay).
The second is at Kaiora, south of Whangara mai tawhiti, from which is derived the name of this marine reserve, Te Tapuwae o Rongokako. The next footprint is located at Turanga, another at Nukutaurua, on the Mahia Peninsula.
Rongokako then stepped over to Te Matau-a-Maui (Cape Kidnappers), then to the shores of Raukawa (Cook Strait). He crossed the strait and was gone.
Kaiora, the settlement that overlooks the marine reserve, was a well populated papa kainga (village). The famous East Coast chief, Porourangi, lived here and is buried close by.
Konohi, the local chief, also inhabited the district. He had three sons ñ Marukauiti, Te Riwai and Wahakapi, from whom the present tribe of Whangara mai tawhiti claim descent.
