Ko Totara toku ingoa, as I tell this story I can almost feel the sharp edge of the axe biting into my back. I was a tall majestic and proud Totara towering above all the other trees, birds flocking to eat my berries , I could see them from a mile away with my watchful eye and I was known as king of the ngahere from one corner of the forest to the other. But one day that all changed…

His name was Rata and he was a proud young man looking for a way to prove himself to mis iwi. He thought he would build himself a waka to do so. It was a peaceful morning when he came. I was first alerted of his presence when I saw the birds in the nearby trees taking off and fluttering away. Then I saw him emerging from the trees, his toki slung over his shoulder casually.

I hoped against all hope that he would walk past but he didn't, he stood and I thought I heard him say “This is the perfect tree” “ a mighty Totara” he said “how fitting”. I stood there waiting , dreading what was to come.

He wasted no time to start hacking at my mighty trunk with mighty blows he struck at me and slowly, slowly I toppled to the ground. There was a mighty CRASH!!! As I fell I caught a glimpse of his triumphant face before smacking to the ground in front of him. Then everything went black.