Paikia

Uenuku an ariki from Hawaiiki had three sons. Paikea, Ruarapu, Ira kai Putahi. Paikea and Ruatapu were competing as to who could fly their kites the best. Ruatapus kite landed on his father's roof and because the roof of a house was considered sacred Uenuku became angry with his son Ruatapu and more or less disowned him, and told him that he was created in the wilderness and that only Paikea was the recognized heir.

Ruatapu was so hurt that he organized a fishing expedition taking all first-born males out to sea and stage some sort of accident to rid of them. As the anchor of the canoe went down the heel of his foot came up to conceal the hole he had cut in the bottom of the canoe. All drowned except Paikea who called on all the creatures of the ocean to save him. Paikea was carried to safety on the back of the whale that carried him to Whangara instead of the Pacific homeland.

Paikeas name was originally Kahutia-te Rangi. Today Paikea is depicted astride the Whale at Whitireia Marae that sprinted him to safety.

PAIKEA - HUTURANGI

POUHENI - NANAIA

POROURANGI - HAMO UEROA

Learn more about Paikia - Memories of home on Toitū te Whenua