Hinemoana Waka
Waitangi Waka Pageant, Haruru Falls, Te Tii Beach, Waitangi, 2007
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The picturesque and historically significant Whakatane waterfront is home to the waka tētēkura, Hinemoana.
Since 2006, Hinemoana has provided a focus for rangatahi leadership training in the area and represents this community at the annual Waitangi waka pageant. ‘The thrill of making a waka move in the water comes from good leadership, mutual respect, patterned rhythm and above all else, team work. Everyone moves together in unison toward a shared goal’.
Many people were involved in the creation of this waka tētēkura and charged with its ongoing care. Hinemoana was constructed to promote waka in the Māori culture and the First Nation of Canada, linking and uniting Aotearoa with Canada. The constant representation of Te Tai Tokerau and Mataatua at the annual Waitangi Pageant, empowering Māori women in their events, the continuous training and practices of the traditions and protocols around waka, promotes all the forms of Māori arts. Hinemoana at first was a waka, Hinemoana is now the embodiment of “living art”. Uniting the modern Māori art styles with the traditional Māori art styles. |
