Biography of a Waka, The
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The power of mana waka to inspire a people
Shortlisted for the 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards
This is the biography of the mighty ceremonial waka taua NgÄtokimatawhaorua that rests on the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi.
The inspiration for its construction came from Te Puea HÄrangi. In the late 1930s the Waikato leader held a dream to build seven waka taua for the 1940 centennial commemorations at Waitangi. By 1937 two waka had been commissioned. Carved in Northland under the guidance of Pita Heperi (Te Tai Tokerau) and Piri Poutapu (Waikato), NgÄtokimatawhaorua was one of them.
But it was to be many decades before the true power of the waka to inspire a people was realised. In 1974 NgÄtokimatawhaorua was refurbished by the late Sir Heke-nuku-mai-nga-iwi âHecâ Busby for relaunching during Waitangi Day ceremonies. It was then that Te Pueaâs dream turned into reality. By 1990, The Year of the Waka, 22 waka and their 2000 crew gathered at Waitangi.
NgÄtokimatawhaorua and others became symbols of MÄori unity and pride and an important part of the renaissance of the traditions of carving and voyaging around Aotearoa and beyond.
Description
WINTER CLEARANCE 30% OFF
The power of mana waka to inspire a people
Shortlisted for the 2024 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards
This is the biography of the mighty ceremonial waka taua NgÄtokimatawhaorua that rests on the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi.
The inspiration for its construction came from Te Puea HÄrangi. In the late 1930s the Waikato leader held a dream to build seven waka taua for the 1940 centennial commemorations at Waitangi. By 1937 two waka had been commissioned. Carved in Northland under the guidance of Pita Heperi (Te Tai Tokerau) and Piri Poutapu (Waikato), NgÄtokimatawhaorua was one of them.
But it was to be many decades before the true power of the waka to inspire a people was realised. In 1974 NgÄtokimatawhaorua was refurbished by the late Sir Heke-nuku-mai-nga-iwi âHecâ Busby for relaunching during Waitangi Day ceremonies. It was then that Te Pueaâs dream turned into reality. By 1990, The Year of the Waka, 22 waka and their 2000 crew gathered at Waitangi.
NgÄtokimatawhaorua and others became symbols of MÄori unity and pride and an important part of the renaissance of the traditions of carving and voyaging around Aotearoa and beyond.
