The South Waikato District of New Zealand

This, the first talking pole, carries the blessing for all future poles and is dedicated to the people of Tokoroa.

It tells the story of Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother). It shows the separation of the parents by Tane as he holds the pine tree in his hand. Tane represents the first man and the pine tree the growth of the seed of life.

The lizard represents life as it comes up through the tongue and death as it follows down through the gecko.