Te Aurere Waka Newsletter February 2007
Kia ora,
Firstly an apology for last month's panui. I changed something before emailing it and it apparently made it impossible to open. My apologies, it will not happen again, I hope!
Te Aurere Sails For Waitangi
Sunday 4 February, Te Aurere left the river after having a new deck lashed at the work shop. She sailed at about 11.00 p.m. bound for Waitangi. After a good night's sail, on a beautiful moon lit night, they arrived at Waitangi at about 9.30 a.m. Crew for this sail were Captain Stanley Conrad, Ema Siope, James Eruera, Manihera (Wati) Forbes, Chris Tawhiwhirangi, Sandra Schischka, Sedman Conrad, Pari Hill-Walker, Moana Rewiti and Tiomai Hill-Walker.
New Waka For Ngati Awa Launched
On 5 February, waka Hine-Moana was launched at Waitangi. The conditions were not the best, the sea being quite rough, so after the launch the waka was taken to Haruru Falls so that the crew could have a good paddle in more favourable, sheltered conditions.
Waitangi Day 2007
The weather could not have been worse for Waitangi Day this year. For safety reasons the waka were kept shore bound. With gales, lashing rain and thunder storms the best place to be was at home! At least there one could keep dry. It was a pity though as the waka crews look forward to showing off their skills each Waitangi Day but safety comes first at all times.
Te Aurere leaves Waitangi for Mangonui
Wednesday 7 February, Te Aurere sailed from Waitangi back to Mangonui. She left early in the morning and arrived home at around 3.00 p.m. Captain for this short sail was Manihera (Wati) Forbes and the rest of the crew were James Eruera, Moana Reweti, Sandra Schischka and Edward Ainsley.
Te Aurere Waka Wananga 2007
The week-end of 16 to 18 February saw the start of this year's series of Wananga. It was a terrific week-end with wall to wall sunshine! Time was spent on the Star Compass and on Saturday a spot of sailing. One or two odd jobs were done on the waka before sailing. A demonstration was held with Stan jumping in the sea and then showing the correct use of the inflatable life-jackets. The next Wananga is on the week-end of 16 to 18 March. All the Wananga this year will be concentrating on getting crew prepared for the sail to Rapa Nui. To this end there are two sails of three weeks planned, one to Norfolk Island and the other to the Kermadecs. The idea of these is to get away from land and take people out of their comfort zones. Also, it will be good to reignite our friendship with the people of Norfolk Island as it will be seven years since we last visited. The urgency has been dissipated now as we are concentrating on getting our Marae built rather than focusing entirely on Rapa Nui.
Also bubbling away on the back burner is a circumnavigation of Te Ika a Maui at the end of the year. This would involve sailing down the West Coast and calling in to Marae on the way. Stopping at Te Papa Museum in Wellington, then returning up the East Coast and arriving back at Waitangi in time for the Waitangi Day celebrations. So it certainly looks like a very busy year for our Captain and Navigator! Just between you and me I think they are both itching to get their teeth into a decent sail again!
Hekenukumai to appear on Waka Huia
On 22 April, TV1, Hekenukumai will be on Waka Huia. The film crew were here shooting earlier on this month. If you get a chance watch it. I will give you another reminder next month.
And there you have it for February. Stay well.
Noho ora mai,
Mike Harding
Te Aurere
Glossary of Maori to English
Te Ika a Maui - The North Island of New Zealand (The fish that Maui hauled out of the sea which became the North Island.)