Gather around, my dear mokopuna, and let me tell you the ancient tales of our sacred mountains in the Tongariro National Park. Long, long ago, these mountains were not just towering peaks but mighty warriors with hearts and spirits. Tongariro, the eldest and wisest, stood tall with his brothers, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. They were the guardians of our land, watching over the forests and the people. One day, a beautiful maiden named Pihanga appeared, her beauty so radiant that it captured the hearts of all the mountains. A great battle ensued, with each mountain fighting fiercely for Pihanga’s love. The earth trembled, and the skies roared as they clashed. Tongariro, with his strength and wisdom, emerged victorious, claiming Pihanga as his own. The defeated mountains, Taranaki and Tauhara, were banished. Taranaki fled to the west, creating the Taranaki region, while Tauhara retreated to the north, where he still watches over Lake Taupo. These mountains, my dear ones, are not just rocks and soil. They are our ancestors, our guardians. They remind us of the strength, love, and spirit of our people. So, whenever you see their peaks shrouded in mist, remember the ancient legends and the enduring spirit of our ancestors.