Away upon the slopes of the Puketoi Ranges there grew in the days of old a giant Tōtara tree, into which the spirit of an Atua called Okatia suddenly entered, and endowed it with the power of motion, whereupon it gradually wormed its way over the land, gouging out a deep bed as it went, until it came to the mountain chain which separates the East from the West coast. Then it clove a course for itself through this huge barrier, which the mighty Okatia split asunder as easily as a child would break a twig, and on passed the inspired tree, ploughing its irresistible way with the many serpentine wanderings towards the sea, leaving the turbulent waters and still reaches of the Manawatū River flowing in it’s wake.

Excerpt from Old Manawatū by Thomas Lindsay Buick

Follow on Instagram to watch the journey of The Legend of Okatia being developed into an orchestral piece & bilingual children’s story book.

Press Release

The World Premiere of the orchestral composition by Kane Parsons is a Rangitāne story about the forming of Te Āpiti or the Manawatū Gorge.

Inspired by the Manawatū awa, this is a classical orchestration representing the legend with soaring melodies, driving percussive elements, taonga pūoro & waiata that speaks of the river's health after Okatia has created the gorge.

Featuring the Manawatū Sinfonia & Combined Choir conducted by Andrew Atkins with help from the Renaissance singers, and chorally conducted by Christine Archer-Lockwood.

This family friendly concert will feature excerpts from his previous show ‘All the Right Notes’ which allows access to the orchestra by blending classical works and humour, which resonates with young and old alike, as well as repertoire that honours classical music. 

As part of this mahi, Parsons has produced via his company Hokozoo Productions a Children’s story book about the Legend of Okatia as a bilingual resource.  

This has been illustrated by UCOL students and overseen by designer Steve Leurink with original story told  by Rangitāne Kaumātua Manu Kawana, te reo translation by Associate Professor Hone Morris, and Okatia waiata composed by Dr Manahi Paewai.

This will be given out to local schools to help educate our rangatahi about looking after the Manawatū awa and will also be premiered at the concert.