Waka Moana

This artwork by senior Ngāti Whatua artist Graham Tipene remembers the historical waka and early boat culture of the Waiatarau (Freemans Bay) area prior to the land reclamation of the early 1900s.

To showcase two distinct waka styles – Waka Hourua (double hulled voyaging waka) and Waka Tētē (fishing waka), Tipene enlisted the help of master waka builder Hine Waitai Dye to make sure the waka forms were accurate. Dye worked closely with Tipene and lead designers LandLAB to ensure the authenticity of the forms as they went through the phases of design.

The finished waka represent a fusion of ancient and modern craft techniques from both Māori and Pakeha traditions. Made of moulded Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), the nine waka hulls feature harakeke (flax) fibre and are joined with laminated Tōtara, traditional waka materials using centuries old European boatbuilding techniques. Punga stones are mounted inside each waka to represent anchor stones. Six are designed by Ngāti Whatua artists Caine Toatahi Taihia and Uira Nahi, and three by Ted Ngatakai and Maaka Potini of Ngāti Tamaoho. Protecting the lower third of the waka are representations of Pā Tuwatawata (defensive fencing) representing the settlements and numerous Pa sites that were historically in the area.

Completing the waka are moulded toki (adzed) patterns and Puhoro designs. Toki marks are traditionally applied to the hull to 'trap' air and make the waka 'run' faster through the water. Three styles of Puhoro designs adorn the upper sections of each waka. These designs are traditionally painted on the hull after carving is complete to symbolise speed, swiftness and agility. Tipene invited Janine Williams of Ngāti Pāoa and Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara to design a Puhoro for the last waka in the series in recognition of her and husband Charles' nearby artwork on the corner of Daldy Street and Pakenham Street.