Interactions in the TVC: CULTURAL

Maori have different cultural beliefs about the TVC. Battle of the mountains Maori perspective (social) Maori perspective of the use of the SIHC is through the idea of guardianship (kaitiakitanga), a conservation of resources to ensure that resources never run out. Kai Tahu used the area for seasonal gathering of food such as wild fowl. They had little effect on the land. Maori perspective is strongly spiritual. Early Maori from Tuwharetoa associated the mountain peaks with the gods and saw it as a sacred place to be respected and revered. One of their priests, Ngatoro-i-rangi, climbed Ngauruhoe and was saved by the gods from a snow storm. The mana of the mountains meant that passing Maori were not allowed to look at the summit.