In December 1834, not long after his arrival and settlement in Kaitaia, he travelled in the company of an older Chief, Paerata, an early convert to Christianity. They were questioned at Houhora as to their motives for wanting to travel to this most sacred place, and on their return were confronted by a large gathering of tribes who were anxious that Puckey might be damaging the 'aka', the ladder down to the sea, whereby spirits were understood to depart for Hawaiiki .