Crossing the treacherous Torres Strait in a small, double-hulled canoe, eating raw dugong meat and weathering violent storms, wasn't going to stop Māori missionary, Ike Samuels, from reaching the people of Papua New Guinea. Ike's father was Phillip Hamiora, commonly known as 'Weka' Phillip Samuel (born 1898). His mother was Papuwai Tanawhea. Ike's grandfather was Te Taiata Hamiora from Rukmoana while his grandmother Rititia, had links to Tūwharetoa in Taupō and to the Kāhui Ariki (the family of the Waikato Kings).

The biography of Ihaka 'Ike' Samuels, The River of the Water of Life, is the extraordinary story of big faith overcoming severe hardship and challenging environments. Ihaka Samuels and his wife, Mary, were missionaries to Papua New Guinea. Being authentically Maori, and authentically Christian, were essential ingredients to captivating the hearts of the Kukukuku tribe of the Watut Valley. His strong belief in God's call saw him traverse the jungles of Papua New Guinea, pastor churches amongst his own people, and enter the NZ mental health sector to help the needy, remove shackles from prisoner's feet, bring life to the lost-and be a comfort to the dying.

"This biography conveys only a sketch of the life of a devoted man, with his wife at his side-a mosaic of selected true life incidents and personal thoughts designed to encourage the reader to simply be yourself, to do what God has called you to do, and to move with the many currents of the river of life, as they come. Ike believes anybody is able to accomplish great things for God in the marketplace through Christ." -Brad Haami