Story: Te whānau puha – whales

Ruawharo carving from Kahungunu marae

Ruawharo carving from Kahungunu marae

Ruawharo was a senior tohunga (priest) on the Tākitimu canoe, and settled at Te Māhia. He was responsible for implanting a mauri or talisman at Te Māhia, after which there was an increase in the number of whales in the region. This carving of him is at Kahungunu marae at Nūhaka.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Shirley Williams

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How to cite this page:

Bradford Haami, 'Te whānau puha – whales - Whales in Māori tradition', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/9593/ruawharo-carving-from-kahungunu-marae (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Bradford Haami, published 12 Jun 2006