See Mrs. Reynold's five page citation dated 8 Jan. 1989 for this tree called 'Rahui-kurii'. 'This tree is known as Rahui-kurii. It is a very beautiful spreading Pohutukawa. The fact that the spread is asymmetrical, being greater on the left from the trunk than from the right, in no way detracts from it's beauty. It flowers abundantly, the colour being a rich glowing Christmas tree red. The sculptured bole, twisted and gnarled, is full of character. An additional point of interest is a number of adventitious roots in two distinct forms hanging from the boughs. There are many reddish pendant 'strings' from 10cms. to 100cms. in length; and there are large fibrous bodies formed when the string-like adventitious roots coalesce and continue to grow in length and breadth. The result can look like an enormous elongated sporran. The largest one of these that I know measures a huge 6m. in length, 80cms. in width. Rahui-kurii has two moderate sized such growths and many of the 'strings'. I would estimate the tree to be 150-200 years old. Rahui-kurii takes it's name from the historic ground on which it grows In pre-European times Parua Bay was a very well populated area. Except from SE. winds it is well sheltered. Until recent times shellfish were abundant. There were Tio (oysters) Tuangi (cockles) Kokota (pipis) Tipa (scallops) Puupuu (periwinkle and whelk in variety). Fish of many species were plentiful. Bush-clad hills attracted birds - Kaka, Kereru, Kiwi, Tui, etc. Early European settlers recorded many flourishing, well-tended gardens. A dedicated Maori scholar, the late Mr. Charles Devonshire suggested that the name Parua meant, not two Pa, but was reference to a certain shape of root. In a thriving community such as this, there was always set aside as a reserve, a rahui, an area of deep spiritual significance. Usually on elevated land and having good visibility, as does Rahui-kurii, it was used as a meeting place for the wise men of the tribe - the Rangatira, the Tohunga and the Kaumatua. Here there would be discussion, prayer, sacrifice, perhaps. The Pakeha words for such an area would be 'Hallowed ground'. It was believed then, as indeed it is to-day, that in such a place those people possessing matakite, second sight, ESP - whatever name you choose to give this special quality, can commune with the spirits. Certain it is that people, Maori and Pakeha both, who possess this sensitivity, feel strongly the aura of spirituality in such a place, and approach with respect and with aroha. Just beyond Rahui-kurii is a Wai-Tapu, a Maori cemetery. A Maori friend once gave me a small Karakia to be used in such a place, to travel in safety and peace. There is a delightful little story too, regarding the naming of Rahui-kurii. Maori people in general have a good very subtle of humour. They enjoy a good joke and often indulge inan exchange of banter. In this context visitors to a marae or gathering might offer a remark that is apparently an insult, but is understood by both parties to be a friendly joke. Later, the receivers will retaliate in kind. On the occasion that the receivers bestowed the name (of the place), approaching visitors noted that their assembled hosts wore cloaks decorated with dog's tails and tufts of dog hair. "Ahoi" they cried "We thought that we had come to a gathering of dog's!" Hence the name Rahui-kurii. In many areas around Whangarei Harbour and coastal areas in Northland fine old Pohutukawa trees, Puriri, Kohekohe, Wha-whau-paku, have succumbed to the depredations of possums. To ensure the safety of many fine trees in this area, particularly the Pohutukawa Rahui-kurii; Mr Solomon is constantly trapping this pest. He and his wife feel very deeply about Rahui-kurii and the hallowed ground on which it stands. Hearing a land agent remark "What a wonderful house site - of course this tree would have to go", they took steps and have brought the section. As he remarked "I'd rather sleep in a tent than have that tree cut!". They have asked that the tree be registered. This I am doing through the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. They have also asked that the land, Rahui-kurii should be given recognition and protection with the NZ. Historic Places Trust. This is my citation and my plea for the tree Rahui-kurii and the site on which it stands'. Reynolds 1989.