Author(s): Don Stafford (illus Tony Hadlow)

New Zealand titles - children

Out of print. Reading age 7 to 11 yrs. A long time ago, before the Maori came to New Zealand, the Patupaiarehe lived on Ngongotaha mountain near Rororua. They were a peaceful people who loved to sing and dance and their only fear was that the giant Tipua who lived in the Kaimai mountains would, one day, decide to attack them and steal their land. When the fateful day arrived and the Tipua were heard marching through the forest, the Patuapaiarehe had to rely on the cunning of their wise tohunga to cast the ultimate spell and save the land around Rotorua. Also available in Maori.