Tane Moana - Tutukaka’s Giant Kauri

30
Jun

Tane moana is a giant, and a legend amongst locals in the Tutukaka Coastal community.

Tane Moana is a massive kauri tree that is estimated to be over 500 years old. He is over 11 metres in circumference, and stands head and shoulders above the other trees on the ridge.

A public naming of the tree was held this year in June, and he was blessed by local kaumatua with around 100 locals in attendance.

Sonny called out, “What is the name of this tree?”

We all answered, “Tane Moana!”

Again he asked, “What is the name of this tree!?”

Again we answered back, “Tane Moana!”

For the third time he called out, “What is the name of this tree?”

and for the third time we all replied, this time at the top of our lungs, “Tane Moana!!”

And so he was named.

For many years, local families havespread a picnic blanket under this tree, and walked to his base.