There were three mountains in the foothills of the Kaimai range. One of these mountains, the beautiful Puwhenua, was in love with the mighty Otanewainuku who stood majestically near by. However another mountain, who had no name, was also in love with Puwhenua and he was keen to show his love. But when she asked his name, he had to confess to having none. On hearing this she rejected him in favor of Otanewainuku.

In his deep despair he approached the Patupaiarehe and asked them to cast him into the sea. During the night, for the Patupaiarehe can only work under the protection of darkness, they dragged him through the forests and foothills down towards the sea. His deep trail scarred the land forever, forming the Waimapu Valley and The Awanui, Tauranga harbor.

The Patupaiarehe worked hard but as dawn broke and the first rays of light filled the sky their task was not complete. There the Patupaiarehe had to abandon the mountain. He was left, where he now stands, forever alone.

The people named him "Mauao" which means "trapped by the light."