# Tamatekapua — Polynesian Mythology character guide

> Tamatekapua in Polynesian Mythology by George Grey.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0010-the-legend-of-toitehuatahi-and-tamatekapua

## Snapshot

The cunning captain of the Arawa canoe, whose light fingers and quicker schemes turn a sacred migration into a rolling scandal.

## Who they are

Tamatekapua commands the Arawa on its voyage to New Zealand, but his genius for seamanship is matched only by his appetite for other men's property and wives. He steals Rua's goods and Whakaotirangi, then tricks Ngātoro by tying a telltale string to a canoe beam instead of his wife's hair — a betrayal that earns him the proverb, 'A descendant of Tamatekapua will steal anything he can.' His treachery forces Ngātoro to summon a whirlpool that nearly drowns the whole crew, making Tamatekapua the engine of the migration's most dangerous crisis.

## Relationships

### [Rua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/characters/rua)

_rivalry_

Rua and Tamatekapua are fierce rivals, often competing for status and resources.

### [Ngātoro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/characters/ngatoro)

_professional_

Ngātoro serves as a priest and navigator for Tamatekapua's crew.

### [Ngātoro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/characters/ngatoro)

_professional_

Ngātoro serves as a priest and navigator for Tamatekapua's crew.

### [Rua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/characters/rua)

_rivalry_

Rua and Tamatekapua are fierce rivals, often competing for status and resources.

### [Rua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/characters/rua)

_rivalry_

Rua and Tamatekapua are fierce rivals, often competing for status and resources.

## In the story

### [The Legend of Toitehuatahi and Tamatekapua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/chapters/the-legend-of-toitehuatahi-and-tamatekapua)

Son of Houmaitawhiti; orchestrates the theft of Uenuku's pōporo fruit and later engineers his brother Whakatūria's escape from Uenuku's house; leads his people in war and eventually makes peace.

### [Construction of Canoes to Emigrate to New Zealand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/chapters/construction-of-canoes-to-emigrate-to-new-zealand)

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

### [The Voyage to New Zealand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/chapters/the-voyage-to-new-zealand)

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

### [The Curse of Manaia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/chapters/the-curse-of-manaia)

Warrior who kills and carries off an enemy during the battle Tarai-whenua-kura.

### [The Legend of Hatupatu and His Brothers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/chapters/the-legend-of-hatupatu-and-his-brothers)

Mentioned as having gone to Moehau with his followers, setting the stage for the brothers' journey.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/characters/tamatekapua
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/polynesian_mythology_se/characters