The narrative recounts the journey of Turi, an ancestor of the Whanganui tribes, who emigrated to New Zealand following a series of tragic events. The story begins with the death of Pōtikiroroa, a young boy consumed by Uenuku, a chief high priest, after an unfortunate accident. Turi, seeking revenge, kills Uenuku's son, Hawepōtiki, and serves his heart to Uenuku disguised as food. This act of vengeance sets off a chain of events leading Turi to flee from Uenuku's wrath. To escape, Turi acquires a canoe named Aotea from his father-in-law, Toto. He prepares for the journey with provisions and companions, including his brother-in-law Tuau. As they set sail, Turi faces challenges, including a disobedient crew member, Tapo, whom he throws overboard but later rescues, indicating divine protection. During their voyage, the canoe suffers damage, prompting a stop at an island called Rangitahua for repairs. Turi and his crew perform rituals to appease the spirits and ensure safe passage. A disagreement arises regarding their course, but Turi ultimately insists on following the direction of the rising sun, as advised by Kupe, a previous explorer of the islands. As they continue, another canoe, Rīrino, is lost due to poor navigation, reinforcing the consequences of disobedience. Turi's crew perseveres, and amidst the ocean, Turi's child, Tutawa, is born. They approach the shores of New Zealand, where they find footprints of Tuanui-a-te-ra, a crew member who had been thrown overboard. Upon landing, Turi embarks on a journey to locate the river Pātea, as described by Kupe. He names various places along the coast, establishing a connection to the land and its resources. Turi cultivates a farm, planting the few remaining sweet potatoes, which miraculously yield a bountiful harvest. The narrative concludes with Turi's successful establishment in New Zealand, marking the beginning of the Whanganui tribes and their lineage. Turi's actions and the subsequent events highlight themes of revenge, survival, and the establishment of identity in a new land.
By George Grey · Genre: Mythology, Adventure, Historical Fiction