Information on Tūtānekai and Tiki

The story of Tūtānekai and Tiki holds significant cultural value in Māori tradition, reflecting the society’s historical perspectives on sexuality and relationships. While Tūtānekai is widely known for his legendary romance with Hinemoa, who swam across Lake Rotorua to join him on Mokoia Island, his earlier connection with Tiki reveals much about traditional Māori attitudes toward same-sex relationships.

In traditional Māori culture, sexuality and sexual diversity were openly acknowledged and celebrated. This cultural openness is evident in the numerous carvings, waiata, and stories that depict various aspects of human relationships, including same-sex love. The bond between Tūtānekai and Tiki is particularly noteworthy, as it illustrates the concept of takatāpui, a term used to describe an intimate same-sex companion. The term Takatāpui has been revitalized in contemporary times, emphasizing the continuity of cultural acceptance across generations.

Tūtānekai, a figure of high rank in Māori tradition, lived on Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua. His love for Tiki is well-documented by 19th-century scholar Te Rangikāheke, who recorded Tūtānekai’s heartfelt words to his father: "Ka mate ahau i te aroha ki toku hoa, ki a Tiki" (I am stricken with love for my friend, Tiki). This expression of deep affection indicates a level of intimacy that transcended mere friendship.

The story of Tūtānekai and Tiki is a testament to the broader acceptance of diverse sexual orientations within traditional Māori society. This acceptance stands in stark contrast to the Victorian moral standards imposed by European settlers in the 19th century, which sought to suppress expressions of sexuality that did not conform to heteronormative ideals. Despite such external pressures, the stories and terms like takatāpui have persisted and been revitalized in contemporary Māori culture, serving as a source of pride and identity.

Further information can be found at:

• teara.govt.nz