# The Voyage to New Zealand explained — Polynesian Mythology

> Chapter companion for Polynesian Mythology by George Grey.

## What happens

Tamatekapua tricks Ngātoroirangi and his wife Kearoa into boarding the Arawa, then abandons Ruaeo and steals his wife Whakaotirangi. The Arawa sails away, and Ngātoro later climbs the roof to look for land, tying a string to his wife's hair to guard her from Tamatekapua's treachery. The chapter also recounts the parting advice of Houmaitawhiti, the burning of the Arawa by Raumati, the subsequent war between the Arawa and Tainui peoples, and Īhenga's discovery of Lakes Rotoiti and Rotorua, which he claims by setting up sacred markers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Migration and Discovery

The voyage of the Arawa and the discovery of new lands, including Lakes Rotoiti and Rotorua, highlight the theme of exploration and settlement.

### Conflict and Reconciliation

The burning of the Arawa and the ensuing war between the Arawa and Tainui peoples illustrate the cycle of conflict and the struggle for justice.

### Colonial Encounter and Governance

Īhenga's claim of the lakes through sacred markers and his confrontation with the local people reflect early forms of territorial governance and ownership.

## Character check-ins

### Tamatekapua

Tricks Ngātoroirangi and Kearoa onto the Arawa, abandons Ruaeo, and steals Whakaotirangi; later dies and is buried at Moehau.

### Ngātoroirangi

Priest tricked into boarding the Arawa; ties a string to his wife's hair to protect her from Tamatekapua; later returns to Maketu and marries Īhenga's daughter.

### Ruaeo

Tricked by Tamatekapua into running back for an axe; left behind with his wife stolen; later changes the stars in an attempt to recover her.

### Īhenga

Discovers Lakes Rotoiti and Rotorua; claims them by setting up sacred markers and confronts the local inhabitants.

### Raumati

Burns the Arawa, leading to war between the Arawa and Tainui peoples.

## Key lines

> Tamatekapua then remembered that he had no skilful priest on board his canoe, and he thought the best thing he could do was to outwit Ngātoroirangi, the chief who had command of the Tainui.

Tamatekapua realized he lacked a skilled priest, so he decided to trick Ngātoroirangi into joining his canoe.

_Highlights Tamatekapua's cunning and the importance of religious rites on the voyage._

> Two thefts were upon this occasion perpetrated by Tamatekapua. He carried off the wife of Ruaeo, and Ngātoro and his wife, on board the Arawa.

Tamatekapua committed two thefts: he stole Ruaeo's wife and also took Ngātoro and his wife onto the Arawa.

_Emphasizes Tamatekapua's deceitful character and the origin of the proverb about his descendants._

> It is war and its evils which are driving you from hence; dwell in peace where you are going conduct yourselves like men, let there be no quarrelling amongst you, but build up a great people.

Houmaitawhiti advised his children to leave because of war, urging them to live peacefully and build a strong community.

_Contrasts the peaceful advice of Houmaitawhiti with the war brought by Uenuku's children._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/chapters/the-voyage-to-new-zealand
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/polynesian_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/chapters