Aotearoa New Zealand 

A MAORI TALE

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Hatupatu me Kurungaituku - Hatupatu and the Birdwoman

The track to Hatupatu's rock in Atiamuri. Photo / Supplied

 One story that is still widely circulated amongst the Arawa people and those of Ngāti Whāita is that of Hatupatu and Kurungaituku.

For a very long time it has been said that Kurungaituku was an unattractive, almost goblin like being.

Little do many people know that Kurungaituku was also known as Hineingoingo. Hineingoingo the pale skinned being, Hineingoingo the mythical being of human form.

The rock where Hatupatu hid. Photo / Supplied

Not of this world and possessed with great skill and knowledge.

It is through this talented woman that the art of finger weaving and weaving become a part of the Arawa culture in acknowledgement of this extraordinary talent she was named Kurungaituku. Upon the lands of Atiamuri sits here private cave named Uruwhenua.

Here were seen the many types of cloaks and garments of the old Māori, here also flittered the many birds and insects of the forest. Kurungaituku was a humble woman who was greatly loved by her people.

Hatupatu was a great warrior, an inquisitive person who avenged the burning of Te Arawa waka destroyed by chief Raumati. Hatupatu, the youngest son of Tamateahirau and Hinekarika.

Whilst out on a hunting expedition upon the Atiamuri lands, Hatupatu was injured and eventually discovered by Kurungaituku.

She cared for Hatupatu and restored him to health and eventually feel in love with him.

Whilst Kurungaituku was out one day searching for food , Hatupatu could not control his deep hunger – immediately he turned on the birds that were in the cave, killing them and then feasting upon them.

Though his hunger was now satisfied, he became aware of his crime, immediately

Hatupatu gathered as many cloaks as he could carry before the return of Kurungaituku.

The tiny Riroriro bird was one fortunate survivor who after a journey found Kurungaituku and promptly told her what had happened. Kurungaituku was fast on the trail of Hatupatu who near exhausted sought sanctuary within this very rock – here he chanted, " E te kōwhatu e mātatī, mātatā" – Oh proud rock open up and let me in!

Due to the strength of his karakia the rock opened and Hatupatu was able to climb in side his sanctuary. Finding safety within the belly of the rock it was now only a matter time where he would need to gauge when to break out of his hiding place and continue with his escape.

Eventually he left the rock and bolted for the geothermal fields of Rotorua, turning only to find Kurungaituku had again taken up the hunt. It was not long before Hatupatu found himself safely amongst the fields of hotsprings and boiling mudpool.

The rock where Hatupatu hid. Photo / Supplied

Thanks to his knowledge of the area he managed to evade capture but also lured Kurungaituku to an area that would end with her death. Not knowing the territory made her clumsy and into the belly of Whangapipiro she fell.

Today Kurungaituku and Hatupatu can still be seen throughout the many carvings that stand within the region a tribute to the origin of weaving for it is said by the elders of the tribe, had it not been for the actions of Hatupatu the art of weaving may have evaded the Arawa tribe.

Kāhu ki Rotorua: Hatupatu me Kurungaituku - Hatupatu and the Birdwoman - NZ Herald