Maru-te-hiakina

Birth

Marutehiakina was born in the 15th century in Aotearoa, New Zealand. She was the second born daughter of Uetapu and Tokotoko from Horea, Te Ākau.

Punuiatekore

Her sister and the first daughter of her parents, Punuiatekore, had been married to a Kawhia chief named Tawhao. They had been struggling to conceive a child. Punuiatekore suggested to her husband that he marry Marutehiakina in hopes of having a child.

Proposal

Tawhao prepared his proposal by creating a small waka (raft) and placing his kuru (ear pendant) onto it. He said a karakia before launching the waka into the moana (sea) from Kawhia with the intention of it landing in Horea. Some tamariki (children) playing on the shores of Horea noticed the waka and ran over to observe it. When they attempted to grab the raft, the current would drag it away. It wasn’t until Marutehiakina noticed while sitting with other tribal wahine, that the tamariki had found something. She walked down to see what it was and after observing the waka. She realised it was a proposal raft and recognised Tawhao’s kuru. She understood this as a proposal to her and accepted.

First Son

Marutehiakina and her sister Punuiatekore were blessed and became pregnant to Tawhao at the same time. Marutehiakina gave birth first to a son named Whatihua. Her sister gave birth to a son named Turongo. The sisters began to quarrel because each believed their son had the right to inherit Tawhao’s chiefdom. Whatihua was the first born but his mother Marutehiakina was the second wife. Turongo was the second born but his mother was Punuiatekore was the chiefly wife.

Motherhood

Marutehiakina had more sons and daughters with Tawhao but her primary focus was raising Whatihua. Whatihua had a competitive, prideful and dominant personality. She was proud of her son and made sure he was educated in preparation for assuming the role of chief. He was taught about warfare, politics and strategy. Whatihua became a great warrior who outshone his brother Turongo when it came to physical and strategic matters.

Later Life

Whatihua married a Taranaki woman named Ruaputahanga who was originally engaged to Turongo. Turongo’s heart was broken and this was said to have made Whatihua more sympathetic to his brother. Tawhao’s whanau seems to have become more harmonious. Marutehiakina would become a grandmother through her tamariki and remained in Kawhia for the remainder of her life.

Legacy

Marutehiakina became the whare tupuna (ancestor) of Pūrekireki Marae in Pirongia. The iwi is Waikato Tainui with hapū are Ngāti Taramatau, Ngāti Apakura. Pirongia is the mountain and Waipa is the river. People from this area and descendants of the union between Marutehiakina and Tawhao can trace their ancestry back to her.

Sources

Waitangi Tribunal. (2020). Te Mana Whatu Ahuru: Report on Te Rohe Pōtae Claims, Part VI, Take a Takiwā. Legislation Direct, Government of New Zealand.
https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/WT/wt_DOC_167351825/...