Bay of Plenty residents have the unique opportunity this week to watch live traditional techniques of lashing, carving and waka construction at Western Bay Museum in Katikati.

A replica 5-metre replica waka taua (carved Māori canoe) is being shifted into the museum today after being shown to the local community at Katikati’s Matariki dawn service last Friday.

Western Bay Museum manager Paula Gaelic said the museum is proud to host the waka tapu (ceremonial canoe), with “an inspiring exhibition offering an intimate look into the ancient customs of waka”.

The event will feature live demonstrations by renowned master carver Hingangaroa Smith and waka builder and carver Haimona Brown. The experts will be on-site 10am-4pm daily from June 25, to June 29, with a noon waka kōrero (talk) each day.

Unique opportunity

“This is a unique opportunity for the community to reconnect with our ancestral waka traditions,” said Brown. “Preserving waka craftsmanship is vital – today, fewer than a handful of waka remain in Tauranga Moana.

“Our history as a nation is intertwined with these vessels, and it’s important we keep this knowledge alive for future generations.”

Smith, who is the museum’s pou mātauranga Māori (Māori lead), said the aim of the exhibition is to run a wānanga-style event that demonstrates the skills involved in building waka, including kowhaiwhai (painted patterns), whakairo (carving), and construction techniques.

Preservation and learning

“This initiative supports the long-term refurbishment of ‘Te Au o Maui’ [live exhibition of a ceremonial Māori canoe, showcasing the craftsmanship and traditions of waka building] for long-term display at the museum, ensuring the preservation of our waka heritage.”

Gaelic said the live exhibition enables the public to experience the artistry and cultural importance of waka, with demonstrations, storytelling, and opportunities for community engagement. “Everyone is welcome.”

Smith and Brown had created the waka themselves for the purpose of it being used for wānanga, a traditional Māori method of learning, said Gaelic.

“That’s why it’s only 5 metres long. A full waka would be substantially bigger than this – but they built it about six years ago for wānanga, to build knowledge for everybody around the tradition of waka.”

Gaelic said Smith had been working at the museum for six months, and had facilitated taking the waka taua to the Matariki dawn service to align with Ngairo Eruera’s kōrero (talk) of the stars relating to waka.

The Waka Taua was illuminated at Katikati’s Matariki Dawn Service last Friday. Photo / Anna Menedez

Now, Smith and Brown would open up the Māori world of ancient waka customs and traditions to all at the museum. “It’s a big opportunity for us to all to learn,” said Gaelic. “And I mean everybody, Pasifika and Māori as well, because years ago the tradition was almost lost...”

Gaelic said the men want people to get up close and personal, ask questions, talk with them and watch what they’re doing. “I really hope people pop in each day and get updates on the project as it develops. Smith, Brown and their fellow carver Joshie will be all working on re-lashing, carving, maintenance and adornments.”

Gaelic said Katikati is privileged to have these men in the community due to their expert knowledge. “Just everything that they’re bringing to our community…it’s really special and I am totally excited.”

Western Bay Museum is at 32 Main Rd, Katikati, and open 10am-4pm June 25-29 for this event.