Wairaka Statue at Whakatane Kohi Point Scenic Reserve

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Coming up on your left/right is the rock Turuturu- Roimata. This marks the landing place of the ‘Mataatua’ canoe. On top of the rock is the Wairaka Statue. The statue represents Wairaka, the daughter of Toroa who captained the canoe. Legend has it that one day the canoe started to drift back out to sea and Wairaka grabbled a paddle and screamed, ‘Kia whakatane au I ahau’ meaning ‘I will act like a man’. In ancient times it was forbidden for women to paddle a waka but she took it upon herself and in doing so saved many lives. The statue has immortalized her courage and her memory. From the top of the Turuturu-Roimata rock you can also see White Island volcano and Whale Island.

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Wairaka Statue at Whakatane Kohi Point Scenic Reserve

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