IHO CREATIONS
Kuiwai & Haungaroa Print
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Second collection: Kuiawai & Haungaroa
There are many pūrākau that talk of Ngatoroirangi and his accomplishments, but this collection is inspired by his sisters- Kuiwai and Haungaroa. According to Te Arawa pūrākau, the great tohunga (priest) and navigator Ngatoroirangi struggled to withstand the freezing temperatures as he attempted to climb, stake claim and explore Tongariro mountain. He began to recite karakia (prayer/ incantations) calling for the aid of his sisters to send support and warmth to ensure his survival against the fatal temperatures that were unleashed upon him.
On the shores of Hawaiiki, Kuiwai and Haungaroa heard there brothers’ plea. They prepared two fire taniwha (guardians), Te Pupu and Te Hoata, to carry raging heat directly to their brother. Te Pupu and Te Hoata plunged below the whenua (land) and into the moana (sea) towards Aotearoa. It was said every time they rose to the surface for air, geothermal activity flourished in each spot there after.
The geothermal path that runs from the depths of the Pacific Ocean through to Mount Tongariro reflects their journey. Te Pupu and Te Hoata met Ngatoroirangi with erupting heat thus saving his life. Some versions of this pūrākau describe how it was the sisters themselves that delivered heat to their brother in the forms of the taniwha- nevertheless it was the unconditional aroha (love) and support Kuiwai and Haungaroa had for Ngatoroirangi that kept him alive.
Kuiwai & Haungaroa teaches us the strength and power of unconditional love. They inspire us to reconnect with our support networks to overcome challenging experiences.
