Significance of the House Name

Daughter of Umukaria and Hinemaru a chief of Tuhourangi who lived in the vicinity of the present day Hinemoa Point marae. Because of her chiefly lineage Hinemoa was set aside from the rest of her people and accorded the status of puhi.

Hinemoa was renowned for her beauty and suitors came from far and near with the expressed wish to win her hand in marriage. Hinemoa however had fallen in love with Tutanekai, son of Whakaue and Rangiuru who lived at Kaiweka on the island of Mokoia.

Hinemoa's people became aware of her feelings towards Tutanekai and as a precautionary measure at night they pulled the canoes to high ground thus preventing Hinemoa from rowing across the lake to Mokoia. Not to be daunted by her people's actions Hinemoa braved the cold waters of Te Rotorua nui a Kahumatamomoe to be united with Tutanekai.

She is remembered now as the dining room at Hinemoa Point (and Tutanekai by the meeting house), although, until the 1940's, Hinemoa was the name of the meeting house and Tutanekai was the dining room. Such was her mana.

Hinemoa house colour is red.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  Hinemoa Juniors for winning the HAKA competition for the second year in a row!!!!