Hinemoana Waka Teetee Kura
The launch of the new waka at Waitangi, Bay of Islands is planned for 5 February 2007.
This year, will see the launch of Hinemoana, the new ceremonial waka teetee kura, at Waitangi on Monday 5 February 2007. The waka will be blessed at 10am in the morning at Te Tii beach.
Hinemoana was completed in January 2007 at Aurere in the Far North by renowned waka builder Hekenukumai (Hector) Busby. Carvings on the waka were completed by Jack Brooking and Tamati Holmes. An eagle carving incorporated on the waka by Canadian artists Dempsey Bob (Tahltan/Tlingit) and Stan Bevan (Tlingit) acknowledges the close link between these First Nation carvers and Maori artists.
The waka crew is primarily Ngati Awa led by Hine and Ben Mamaku. The Whakatane District Council and Te Runanga o Ngati Awa will care for the waka alongside the Mataatua Toroa Waka Taua which is housed in Whakatane.