Story: Canoe traditions

Whakaotirangi

Whakaotirangi

Whakaotirangi, the wife of Ruaeo, was kidnapped by Tamatekapua and brought to New Zealand on the Te Arawa canoe. Both Tainui and Te Arawa traditions state that she was responsible for safeguarding the seed of the kūmara (sweet potato) on the voyage. In this carving at Ōtāwhao marae, Te Awamutu, she holds a basket of kūmara.

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How to cite this page:

Rāwiri Taonui, 'Canoe traditions - Te Arawa and Tainui', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/2348/whakaotirangi (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Rāwiri Taonui, published 8 Feb 2005