Waka Hourua: Making of the Tairāwhiti Voyaging Canoe.
The voyaging canoe (wakahourua) Tairāwhiti launched in 2017, is named after the east cape region of the North Island of New Zealand. Based in Gisborne, it is an accessible learning vessel for the people of the region to experience and connect with the sailing and navigation traditions of Māori ancestors. On board, several thousand years of Polynesian and Māori histories are reawakened and reimagined for modern living.
Built by professional New Zealand boat makers, the construction holds true to traditional design elements, whilst embracing the use of modern materials, technology and cutting edge techniques. This is the first time the process of making a contemporary Māori voyaging canoe has been captured from start to finish.
Filmed by Norm Heke (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahu, Te Arawa, Welsh)
Narrated by Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata and Ngāti Kahungunu).