The story goes that Kahukura, a man from Hawaiki, introduced kūmara (sweet potato), to the locals who had never had anything like it before.
In order to obtain more kūmara back in Hawaiki Toi gave the canoe to Kahukura.
Upon gathering the coveted vegetables, Kahukura sent them back on the Horouta, commanded by Pāoa (or Pāwa).
[1] According to Kahungunu tradition it was Pawa who captained the Horouta while Kiwa was the tohunga.
[citation needed] Horouta called at different places along the East Coast until it was beached at Gisborne.