map of ancient stone sources in New Zealand
Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato Published 5 April 2024 Size: 3.4 MB Referencing Hub media

Pūrākau are oral stories that offer detailed information in which stories and events can be remembered from generation to generation. The narrative of Poutini kidnapping and fleeing with the wife of Tamāhua in the Bay of Plenty to Te Waipounamu also offers an oral map of ancient stone sources. Tūpuna Māori held mātauranga that was captured in pūrākau such as these.

Map by M.Bitten, CC BY-SA 4.0

      Go to full glossary
      Download all