January 20, 2015
Tohunga inspects sea turtle waka
Waka enthusiasts have been in Mohua near Nelson today viewing the work of their ancestors.
They are inspecting the remains of an ocean-going waka that was discovered in a sand bank in the Anaweka estuary at the top of theWest Coast in 2011.
The six-metre matai hull, which is undergoing preservation, includes carvings of sea turtles and is believed to be at least 600 years old.
The group includes Hekenukumai Busby, who has led the revival of waka building.
Hoturoa Kerr from Te Toki Voyaging Trust says it's been an exciting exercise.
"I think they've had a few people from Te Papa and other academics look at it. I think this is the first time they've had someone who actually builds waka come to have a look at it, so it's quite exciting," he says.
Mr Kerr says with the Hawaiian voyaging canoes in the country, it has been a busy summer for waka enthusiasts.
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