This is the legend told by Rangitāne of Okatia about how Te Āpiti Manawatu Gorge came to life.

He tōtara whakahira e tū ana i te whenua urutapu ki runga i ngā tahinga o Puketoi.
Kua rangona e ia mo te moana, a, i koingo kia kite.

A mighty tōtara stands in a pure, natural land upon the Puketoi Ranges.
He had heard of the sea and longed to see it.

Original story told by Rangitāne Kaumatua Manu Kawana.
Te Reo translation by Associate Professor Hone Morris.
Okatia waiata composed by Dr Manahi Paewai.

This has been illustrated by UCOL BAVI students and overseen by designer Steve Leurink.