A 50-member strong crew will be representing Te Arawa during the waka tauā (war canoes) section of the Waitangi Day celebrations next week. This was the last weekend the crews had to prepare before making their way to Waitangi.
According to Paora Te Hurihanganui, “This will be our third time at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands to row into the bay, so it's a real honour for us of Te Arawa.”
The main waka is Te Arawa and the other named Tieke is an all-women crew. Crew member Mr Hurihanganui says these types of activities brings people together and wants more youth to get involved.
Both waka will be transported by land to Waitangi in the Bay of Islands where they will meet other waka confederations this coming week.