December 03, 2012
Waka Tapu voyage reaches destination
Master waka builder Hekenukumai Busby is on his way to Rapanui – Easter Island to perform the karakia to bring ashore the two double-hulled canoes of the Waka Tapu expedition.
The arrival of Te Aurere and Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti at the remote island in the south east Pacific realises Mr Busby’s vision of closing the Polynesian triangle, which he had when he first started recreating ancestral voyages more than two decades ago.
He says he’s proud of what the crews have achieved since leaving Auckland in August.
The waka, which left Mangareva in French Polynesia three weeks ago, are waiting in the lea of the island for Mr Busby’s arrival.
After damage sustained by Te Aurere in rough seas on the first 40-day leg to Tupuai is repaired, the waka will sail back to Tahiti to wait over the hurricane season.
They will return to Auckland in April.
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