MOUNTAIN

The 2518 -metre-high mountain is considered one of the most symmetrical volcano cones in the world.

When he made romantic advances towards a beautiful mountain named Pihanga, Tongariro erupted in jealousy.

MOUN TAIN If you can see the mountain, you are either very lucky or it is just a very nice day. Throughout the year Taranaki Maunga changes depending on the amount of snow visible on its peak. Many photos have been taken over the years and it has been an inspiration for artists and writers.

According to Maori legend, Taranaki once lived with the other volcanoes of the North Island’s Central Plateau - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.

Banished to the west, Taranaki was maddened with grief. When his peak is shrouded in mist and rain, he is said to be weeping for his lost love.

Many West Coast poems and chants have Taranaki Mountain ‘Taranaki Maunga’ (previously known as Mt.Egmont) for their theme. The following is Mere Ngamai’s chant of praise for her grand ancestral mountain, an old song of Te Atiawa:—

Whakawaiwai ai Te tu a Taranaki, O kahu hukarere I huatau ai koe ra. Huhia iho koe Ki to parawai ma, O kahu taniko I tino pai ai koe—e!

Me tipare koe Ki te rau-kawakawa, He tohu aroha nui Ki te iwi e ngaro nei. Waiho ra, e Rangi, Kia taria ake Ka tere mai he karere, E kore ra e hoki mai!

[Translation.]

Enchanting to the eye Art thou, O Taranaki, Clothed in thy snowy garment; O mountain gloriously arrayed In spotless cloak of glistening white, With fringe of patterned taniko, A robe of radiant beauty!

Yon cloud that wreathes thy lofty brow Is as a mourning chaplet, Soft band of kawakawa leaves, Emblem of sorrow for the dead, Love circlet for the vanished ones Forever lost to us. Remain thou there, O peak of Rangi! Steadfastly keep thy silent watch For ocean-borne grief-messenger From those who’ll come no more!

Legends of the Maori The Mountain God: a Chant of Adoration. - A Song for Mt. Egmont