Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

The saga begins with a genealogical recital from Hoturoa, Commander of the Tainui canoe. It continues with the life stories of Tawhao and his two sons, Whatihua and Turongo. Introduced in the story of Turongo is Mahinarangi, a chieftainess of the Kahungunu tribe. There is an account of the festivities on the opening of Mahinarangi House in March 1929. Material has been selected from the accounts of a number of Tainui elders, principally from Te Nguha Huirama, Ngati Tamainupo. For the ritual, Roore Erueti of Ngati Mahanga. Mahinarangi House, built by Te Puea, has an iron roof fashioned to resemble raupo (Typha angustifolia) and lined with timber chiseled to resemble kakaho (Cortaderia sp.)