Kupe’s wife Kuramarotini was the first to see land, she called it

AOTEAROA – LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD….

When Kupe returned to Hawaikii, Kuramarotini did not return with him. A Puriri tree stands on our maunga Whakarongorua in Utakura, pūrakau (legend) has it that she is still standing and waiting for his return.