Ngarupaewhenua

Ngarupaewhenua (the wave that breaks on the shore), refers to the landing of Ngātokimatawhaorua at the Hokianga. 

This hoe (paddle) depicts Nukutawhiti (the captain of the waka), his descendants and taniwha Āraiteuru, the kaitiaki of the waka.

The kōwhaiwhai on the reverse represents Puhi Moana Ariki who guided the waka to Aotearoa, before returning to Hawaiki to inform Kupe of their safe arrival.