Legends of Rotorua: and the Hot Lakes

First published in 1958, this is the classic collection of myths relating to that cradle of Maori culture, Rotorua - with relevance across New Zealand Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most visited cities. It is impossible to avoid the area’s Maori history and, in this book, it is easy to learn about the most popular legends of the area. These include Ngatoro the Fire-Bringer, whose avoidance of fire demons left them raging underground to make the famous geyser and mudpool formations in the Rotorua area; and Hatupatu, who bravely escaped from the birdwoman, who would have him as her slave. A.W. Reed is renowned for his collections of Maori stories. His list of published works in this area is long and deep and his popularity has rarely waned. The Dennis Turner illustrations are reproduced unaltered, speaking to the era of the book’s original publication, retro in their flavour but quite beautiful on close inspection.