Peketahi is a kaitiaki of the Tamaki Nui A Rua* people. He is seen in a number of forms such as a crayfish with one leg missing, a log, a cat and an eel.
His home is in the Manawatu River by the Kaitoki Bridge near Dannevirke although he also has a cave on the western side of the Ruahine Mountains closer to Palmerston North.
Over the years numerous people have seen Peketahi in his many forms. He is a guardian that often brings a message for those that see him. His presence is always welcomed and whatever his shape generations of kaumatua have protected Peketahi.
*Tamaki Nui A Rua is broadly the area from around about Pukaha/Mt Bruce through to the Takapau plains with Dannevirke being the main modern town.