Originally written in sessions with Ngoi Pēwhairangi and Dalvanius Prime in Tokomaru Bay in 1982, it was released as their third single in late 1984 or early 1985, prior to the band's tour of the United Kingdom.

The song peaked at number 21 in New Zealand, and was later included in their 1987 debut album Poi E. The song was written in Tokomaru Bay in 1982, when Dalvanius Prime visited the house of lyricist Ngoi Pēwhairangi.

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

[5] "Hei Konei Rā" was first found on a Pātea Māori Club release as a B-side on the "Aku Raukura" single released earlier in the year, where it appeared as a part of a live medley.

[9] It was also featured on the compilation album Waiata 2: Maori Showbands, Balladeers & Pop Stars in 2013.