Although the carving wing of Te Wānanga a Kupe Mai Tawhiti is already operating in Aurere, it's hoped another special addition to the school will be built soon.
According to Labour MP Shane Jones, “Through voyaging the seas, students will be inspired to follow a great career path, and in turn, play a vital role amongst whānau.”
The project spokesperson for the wānanga says while they've not yet received any financial assistance from the Government toward the building of the new centre, they have raised most of the building budget.
A spokesperson from Te Puni Kōkiri responded, saying the application hasn't been declined and will be considered in due course.
However, Labour's Māori Affairs spokesperson says the Government would rather fund a plastic waka over traditional ones.
Jones says, “This plan for a wānanga in Northland to pass on the waka teachings of our ancestors is being disregarded and opposed.”