Rata’s mother told him that she had found a magnificent Totara tree. Rata knew what his mother meant when she said this. He thought that he should make a waka out of it and go to seek answers about hi father’s murder. The next morning Rata went to find the Totara tree. It was tall and straight, just what his mother told him. Eager and excited he forgot to follow the tikanga. He picked up his stone adze and started to chop the tree. By the end of the day the tree began to topple. With one last strike it fell. The earth shook, then the earth went silent. Rata was exhausted, so he decided to leave the carving of his waka for the next day.
As soon as he left, the forest became alive with sound. The birds and insects rushed out to see the damage. The decided to put the tree back together. Several hours later the tree stood tall again.
The next morning Rata came back to the tree to finish off his work, astonished to see the tree standing. Feeling angry he began to chop once more. Once again he thought to leave it and went home, the animals put the tree back together. The next day he thought that he would chop down the tree, pretend to go home but actually hide behind a bush and wait to see what happens. Soon the animals emerged and started to put the tree together. Rata was furious, he jumped out from his hiding place and grabbed piwakawaka. He demanded an explanation. Piwakawaka explained that he hadn’t followed the tikanga and didn’t ask for permission. Suddenly the trees shook. The insects knew that it was Tanemahuta giving him permission to cut down the tree for a waka. Rata thanked him. The animals told Rata to go home, they would finish the waka. The next morning he returned to see his beautifully carved waka. He gave thanks again, and the set off on his quest.
- Look after the birds and the forest flourishes. If the forest flourishes, the birds flourish.
I remember this story from when I was at school. It's a wonderful story - well told Annalise. You have been a busy writer : ) x
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