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Creating more opportunities to use a waka housed in Europe is on the agenda for a group from Toi Maori now on their way to Holland.
Operations manager Tamahou Temara says it’s the first time since a large group from the Maori arts promotion organisation has travelled up there since Te Hono ki Aotearoa was placed at the Museum Volkenkunde in Holland in 2011.
The waka is used by the Netherland’s oldest rowing club, Njord Royal.
Some club members come down each year to take part in the Waitangi regatta and learn aspects of waka culture.
It was also used for the Queen’s Jubilee regatta on the Thames in London and at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Mr Temara says members of London-based Ngati Ranana are coming over to take part in a public programme.
They will also discuss creating an annual event of kaupapa waka in Europe.
The Toi Maori group includes Mr Temara, Nga Waka Federation chair Robert Gabel, carver Sam Hauwaho and weaver Veranoa Hetet-Hauwaho, and experienced waka crew Chappy Harrison, Rutene Gabel, Fuifui Teevale, Pomana Taniwha and Billy Harrison.
Mr Temara says there is also Toi Maori group led be Derek Lardelli in Canada meeting First Nations artists, and in June a team will go to collaborate with indigenous clay artists in Oregon.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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