 The South Island's earliest , Waitaha, traces its ancestors back to the , captained by Rākaihautū who hailed from Te Patunuioāio, and in mythology was credited with digging many of the island's great lakes and waterways.The is sometimes said to have arrived at a similar time, bringing the progenators of Ngāti Hawea - an that became absorbed into Waitaha.Similar ancient groups that have slipped into mythology might include Maero and Rapuwai.