Mahaki, a grandson of Kahungunu was known for his cloak which because of its brilliant red colour was called, Te Kura A Mahaki. It was often compared with the kahikatea (white pine), and is recorded in the moteatea, Po! Po!

He became captivated by Hinetapuarau the young bride to be of Hingaanga, an older man. Hinetapuarau responded to Mahaki's affections towards her and they eloped.

Mahaki was a famous warrior and chief and is especially celebrated for the great battle known as "Te tokoremu a Mahaki" or "The closing of the jaws of Mahaki".

His elder brother, Tawhiwhi had been killed by members of Ngati Ira, who were living at Titirangi at that time. Mahaki avenged the death of his brother in a battle which resulted in Ngati Ira being driven out of Turanganui.

Mahaki's son Whakarau is on returning to his village one day discovered it to be unoccupied. In search of his father's people he came upon a sacrificial fire belonging to the luckless Pouarua. Here he uttered these words for he realised that he had been left behind.
An interpretation of this is "those who move forward and accept the challenge will bear the fruits of success. Those who do not advance will not develop."