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For a time Rehua and his second wife Waipahihi
lived peacefully in a whare on an island just off the east coast of
Aotea. Mataa, who was still aggrieved after previous conflicts and
frightened that Rehua would strike again decided to act first. While
on the island Waipahihi was shown an omen in the form of a lightning
strike at the cliff face on the main mountain of Aotea. It was not
until she arrived home and found her husband burnt alive inside
their whare that the sign became clear. After Rehua’s death two
names arose, firstly the mountain where Waipahihi was shown the omen
carries the name Hirakimata (lightning striking the cliff face) and
secondly the island where they live, called Rakitu (upright
lightning). Because Rehua was a leading chief amongst the Kawerau
people his death was viewed as a kohuru (murder). The main mountain
on Aotea and the island where he lived is now forever connected to
his death. |