Polynesian Mythology · Chapter
Construction of Canoes to Emigrate to New Zealand explained
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, Mā
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the story's dramatic climax because it presents the psychological peak of the narrator's in…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
