About: Hatupatu

In Māori tradition, Hatupatu (or "Hatu Patu") was the youngest of four sons of the Te Arawa iwi, and became a chief. When he was growing up he was bullied by his elder brothers. Legend tells of his wily escape from the bird-woman Kurangaituku, by hiding inside a rock and then leading her into a boiling mud pool. Having grown into a man of ability and confidence, he led his people in battle against their enemy, chief Raumati, who had burned the Te Arawa canoe. Killing this powerful enemy, he gained great respect and mana, and set himself on the path to becoming one of the most famous of all Māori warriors. The parents of Hatupatu were Tamateahirau and Okarikiroa.