She was the ariki of the Pa dynasty, one of the two chiefdoms of the Takitumu tribe on the island of Rarotonga.

[1] She married Obura (also spelled Opura) in 1871, a missionary and son of Maretu I, one of the first Christian converts in 1823.

Look round and see the vaka-nui (large canoes) Takitumu, Puaikura, and Te Au-o-Tonga.

Welcome to the high-sided canoe of Takitumu; welcome our son; let us thank the Lord in his goodness for thus bringing us together.

O, son; here are Pa and Kainuku, the Ariki of Takitumu, with our chiefs, and all the people under us from Taakarua to Torea-iva, to receive you, your lady, family, and all who are with you!