Rakataura

The first discoverer of New Zealand, according to one tradition. He came in a canoe named Pauiriraira, journeyed about the North Island, saw no man nor fire, then returned to Hawaiki and told Kupe, who started off and also succeeded in reaching New Zealand. Rākataura remained in Hawaiki.

References

Sources

  • Tregear, Edward. (1891). Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary. Wellington: Government Printer, p. 387.
  • White, John. (1887). Ancient History of the Maori. 6 vols. Wellington: G. Didsbury, Government Printer, p. 2:188.