Story: Whenua – how the land was shaped

Te Hoata and Te Pupu bring fire

When Ngātoroirangi had just arrived in New Zealand from Hawaiki, he was overcome by extreme cold at a place called Onetapu. He called out to his sisters Te Hoata and Te Pupu, who sped to him from Hawaiki in the form of fire. When they emerged above ground they created the geysers, hot pools and volcanoes renowned in that part of the country.

The story is recounted in this waiata (song), ‘Ka eke ki Wairaka’.

Sound file from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero (Waiata aroha/love song: 'Ka eke ki Wairaka’/Reference number MPT 4506).

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New Zealand Post
Reference: 2000 Spirits and Guardians stamp issue

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How to cite this page:

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, 'Whenua – how the land was shaped - The thermal wonders', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/music/6733/te-hoata-and-te-pupu-bring-fire (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 12 Jun 2006