Originally written in sessions with Ngoi Pēwhairangi and Dalvanius Prime in Tokomaru Bay in 1982, it was released as their second single in June 1984, during the chart success of their debut hit "Poi E".

In a single day, the pair had created "Poi E", "Aku Raukura" and "Hei Konei Rā".

[7] In a 1984 episode of the variety show Hui Pacific the group performed the song alongside breakdancers.

[8] At the 1984 New Zealand Music Awards, "Aku Raukura" was nominated for Single of the Year, however lost to The Narcs' "You Took Me (Heart and Soul)".

[10] The song was performed at the Seville Expo '92 New Zealand pavilion, by a group led by George and Tangiwai Ria, and including some members of Pātea Māori Club.