Tamanuhiri of Ngai Tahupo lived at Matiti Pa just south of Muriwai. He is the eponymous tipuna of the Iwi now known as Ngāi Tāmanuhiri.

Tamanuhiri is not so much recognised for his conquests of war, but more for his conquests of women.

The story is told of Tamanuhiri and how he wooed Hine Nui Te Po, named after the legendary woman who was attributed with Maui's death. His deed is said to be evidence of his virility and sexual prowess.

Tamanuhiri was noted for his generosity, for his good works and service to the people. Unfortunately his wife was not so kindly described.

Every time Tamanuhiri required work to be done she would say "You've got slaves galore, make them work. Not me, the queen!"

Across from his pa lived Hine Nui Te Po. She was a very industrious woman who tendered her kumara pits daily.

Tamanuhiri was very attracted to her and decided that as Ranagtira and leader of the people, he would make her his wife even though she too was already married.

One day he waited for Hine Nui Te Po to complete her work and then followed her into the kumara pit. There he declared his feelings for her only to discover that she felt the same way for him.

Tamanuhiri left his wife and he and Hine Nui Te Po united and moved away together to live at Te Puru Pa at Pukehou.

Until her liaison with Tamanuhiri, Hine Nui Te Po had been childless. Becoming pregnant to Tamanuhiri she said, "Taku he ki te huatea no muri ko te huauri." (first childlessness, then fertility.)