"The haka 'Ka Mate' was composed by Te Rauparaha, a chief of Ngā̄ti Toa Rangatira, and this is the story of this haka. Te Raupara is pursued by his enemies and fears for his life. At Lake Rotoaira, he is hidden in a kūmara pit, and Te Rangikoaea, a woman of great power, sits in front of its entrance. As he hears his enemies, Te Raparaha whispers in the dark 'Will I die? Will I live?, But his enemies cannot find him. He tells his story to his people and his words are repeated down the generations"--Publisher information. In picture book format.