Tūrongo

Turongo took his jilting quite philosophically, and later travelled as far as Hawkes Bay where he became the guest of the Kahungunu chief Tuaka. He was a very welcome guest, as he used his skill at carving in assisting to build a Whare-puni, and in addition his success at snaring pigeons and dancing made him most popular with the tribe. Before leaving for his home, he married the beautiful Mahina-a-rangi, the daughter of Tuaka. His romance is very interesting and a most unusual courtship for a Maori. He lived in a whare a short distance from the pa. At night, after entertainment in the Whare-rehia, he returned to his hut along a dark track shaded by bush and fern. He was often waylaid by an unseen and nameless maiden who was lavish in the use of perfume made from the leaves of the kawakawa shrub. When Turongo talked of returning home Tuaka suggested that he take a wife from the tribe. To this Turongo agreed, on the condition that he made the selection himself and to this Tuaka agreed. That evening, during the performance of action songs and poi in the Whare-rehia Turongo moved among the performing maidens, sniffing at each performer as he passed. At last he located the one with the distinguishing rau-kawa scent, and it was none other than Tuaka’s daughter, Mahina-a-rangi. Great was the rejoicing, and they were duly married. Soon after, Turongo left for Kawhia, and Mahina was to follow later.

Sources

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Kelly, L. G. (1949). Tainui : the story of Hoturoa and his descendants. Polynesian Society.
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