His murder and the subsequent war led to one of the reasons for the Māori's emigrating from Hawaiki.
In a wrestling match he was treated unfairly, and was killed in a treacherous manner.
In revenge for this murder, his brother, Whakatau, set out with an army and destroyed Ati Hapai.
In North Island versions, Hakiri-maurea is a young sister of Poporokewa; her rejection of a lover in favour of Tūwhakararo leads to the latter's death at the hands of the discarded suitor.
[1] In some versions he is a son of Tūhuruhuru and Apakura, thus a grandson of Hina and great-nephew of Māui.