# Construction of Canoes to Emigrate to New Zealand explained — Polynesian Mythology

> Chapter companion for Polynesian Mythology by George Grey.

## What happens

This chapter describes the felling of a tōtara tree in Rarotonga to build the Arawa canoe, the involvement of skilled men including Rātā, Wahieroa, Ngāhue, and Parata, and the subsequent construction of other great canoes such as Tainui, Mātaatua, Tākitumu, Kurahaupō, Tokomaru, and Matahourua. It also recounts the making of axes from green stone brought by Ngāhue and the slaying of Manaia's son by Rātā.

## Themes in this chapter

### Migration and Discovery

The building of canoes and the planned voyage from Hawaiki to New Zealand represent a major migration and discovery event.

### Conflict and Reconciliation

The slaying of Manaia's son by Rātā introduces conflict that may have repercussions in the migration narrative.

## Character check-ins

### Rātā

One of the builders of the Arawa canoe; also slew the son of Manaia.

### Wahieroa

Helped build the Arawa canoe.

### Ngāhue

Brought green stone from New Zealand to Hawaiki, used to make axes for canoe construction.

### Tamatekapua

Chief who lent workmen to Hoturoa to build the Tainui and other canoes.

### Manaia

His son was slain by Rātā and hidden in canoe shavings.

## Key lines

> They then felled a tōtara tree in Rarotonga, which lies on the other side of Hawaiki, that they might build the Arawa from it.

A tōtara tree was cut down in Rarotonga, located on the far side of Hawaiki, to construct the Arawa canoe.

_Describes the origin of the timber for the Arawa._

> The names of the axes with which they hewed out these canoes were Hauhauterangi, and Tutauru. Tutauru was the axe with which they cut off the head of Uenuku.

The axes used to carve the canoes were called Hauhauterangi and Tutauru; the latter was also used to behead Uenuku.

_Highlights the significance of the axes in both construction and conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/chapters/construction-of-canoes-to-emigrate-to-new-zealand
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/polynesian_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/chapters