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Pūrākau
Pīngao - Golden sand sedge

Pīngao is the child of Tangaroa and Hinemoana. She began life as seaweed however, she was tempted to leave her underwater life to meet with the proud warrior, Toetoe convinced Pīngao to meet him on the dunes. Pīngao fell in love with Toetoe and they planned to meet. She asked Tangaroa and Hinemoana for permission to leave and meet her love.

Against her parents advise and warnings of the true intention Toetoe had, Pīngao decided to leave the safety of her home and venture into the unknown territory. Pīngao was warned that after leaving she was unable to return to the sea. As Pīngao headed to the sand dunes calling for her love, Toetoe turned his back on her. Feeling heartbroken and stranded she had no choice but to live on the waters edge where her parents would join her when the tides rose.

It is in the dunes where she continues to grow to this day. Her purpose is to stop the erosion of the land as she captures the sand creating a boundary. Pīngao is one of very few who can grow in harsh conditions. Eventually, through the art of tukutuku Toetoe and Pīngao were brought together.

There are many variations for this pūrākau, for me this particular story teaches me about healing and sacrifice. My community in Muriwhenua as is most of Aotearoa, is surrounded by moana, the beaches I visit are covered in Toetoe and Pīngao. These two stabilize the sand dunes and provide kāinga for Aotearoa’s, Katipo (Native Spider), Tuturiwhatu (Doterel) and Pihoihoi (Pipit).

No Author. (n.d) Pīngao longs for Toetoe. Kaitaia Museum