The beautiful Rongomaiwahine was married to Tamatakutai of Mahia. The serial philanderer Kahungunu became obsessed after hearing of her great beauty. He finally seduced her to produce the great tribes of Kahungunu and Rongomaiwahine. The wharepuni is situated at Mahia Peninsula in the Hawkes Bay. Features: Waipa Te Rito/Rongomaiwahine; Terina Hesketh/Rongomaiwahine; Apikara Te Rangi/Rongomaiwahine; Miniata Westrupp/Rongomaiwahine; Apikara Rarere/Rongomaiwahine; Canon Wi Te Tau Huata/Ngāti Kahungunu; Bob Rarere/Rongomaiwahine; Aramata Te Rito Collier/Rongomaiwahine.
Iconic female ancestors who achieved fame and immortality are celebrated in this six-part series. The series looks at their histories and remarkable achievements through the tribal wharepuni or meeting houses constructed by their descendants to bear witness to these amazing women. Producer Robert Pouwhare of Tangata Whenua TV says many documentaries have been produced about wharepuni named after male ancestors but there is a paucity of information about the females who have been honoured in this way.