Te Kuia rāua ko Kurī: Legend of Te Kuia and Kurī

This bilingual children’s picture book in te reo Māori and English was written by Debbie McCauley and illustrated by Debbie Tipuna. It retells the traditional story of Te Kuia rāua ko Kurī: Legend of Te Kuia and Kurī. Tangaroa, ruler of the ocean, was so touched by the love of Kurī for Te Kuia, that he turned their bodies into rocks which still lie together at the foot of Mauao in Tauranga Moana.

This book is dedicated to the memory of the eight people who lost their lives on 22 January 2026 during the landslides at Mauao and the Pāpāmoa Hills.

When people leave the safety of Te Awanui | Tauranga Harbour for the Pacific Ocean, they traditionally throw small offerings toward the rocks Te Kuia and Kurī at the base of Mauao. This shows their respect for Tangaroa, ruler of the ocean, and their hope for a safe return.

But what is the story of loyalty and tragedy behind these rocks? Legend has it that Te Kuia fell down the maunga while trying to warn her people of a possible enemy attack. She tripped and fell, tumbling down the maunga and into the water below. Ever faithful, Kurī jumped into the water, valiantly trying to save her. Sadly, both drowned.

Tangaroa was touched by the actions of Te Kuia and the devotion of Kurī, who was the last of his kind to live in Tauranga Moana. He turned their bodies to stone, so they could remain steadfast companions forever.

We acknowledge the tīpuna (ancestors) who were kaitiaki (guardians) of our oral history and who passed these stories down from generation to generation so that they might be retold in written format and carried close to our hearts today with the blessing and aroha of our kaumātua.

Kō ngā tahu ā ō tapuwai inanahi, hei tauira mō āpōpō. The footsteps laid down by our ancestors create the paving stones upon which we stand today.

Many people have helped this book upon its journey through their help and encouragement, locating a tiny piece of information I felt was important, or with proofreading and suggestions. Along with my whānau and amazing team, they include: Peter Arts (for taking us in his boat to visit Te Kuia and Kurī rocks), Takiri Butler (Moana Radio, daily updates during the landslides), Dean Flavell (Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao chairman), Kane Fleury (Tūhura Otago Museum), Penny Guy (proofreading), Neville Hudson (University of Auckland Geology Department), Fiona Kean (Tauranga Heritage Collection), Maia McCauley (proofreading), Lee Murray ONZM (proofreading), Chris Parker (artwork photography) and kaumātua Des Tata for telling me this story many years ago and encouraging this pukapuka. I am grateful to you all.

Acknowledgement: The author and publisher gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Creative Communities New Zealand (Tauranga).

This book includes:

• Fold-out map of Mauao and surrounds
• Important places seen from Mauao
• Kurī facts
• Kurī activities
• Glossary