Hokianga-whakapau-karakia

Nukutawhiti arrived alongside his cousin Ruanui, who captained the Māmari waka in Hokianga-whakapau-karakia.

A metaphysical dispute arose between the two leaders regarding the consecration of their new settlements. Ruanui's priests attempted to sacrifice a whale via incantations, while Nukutawhiti’s priests successfully countered them to push the whale back to sea.

This event gave the harbour its full name, meaning "Hokianga where incantations were exhausted," reflecting the depletion of Ruanui's spiritual powers during the battle.