Waka Workshops

Immerse yourselves in the world of Waka through Te Hau Kōmaru Waka Workshops. School kids will have the chance to explore the world of waka and learn about Pacific voyaging. There will be activities for all ages.

Dates:

Monday 17 - Friday 21 October - School sessions (bookings required)**
Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 October - Public sessions (9am - 3pm)

Explore the world of Waka Hourua

Tauira will have the opportunity go explore the mātauranga of the waka hourua world. Being taught by some of the finest kaumoana in Aotearoa, they will be under the tutelage of the Ngahiraka-mai-tawhiti, Haunui, Hinemoana and Tairāwhiti crew. Schools must book in advance to join the Waka Workshops.

From 9:30am to 2:30pm tauira will take part in six waka workshops.

Para Kore

Established in 2010, Para Kore Marae Incorporated is a Māori, not-for-profit, zero waste organisation with a vision of oranga taiao, oranga whānau, oranga marae.

The Para Kore whānau are passionate about and committed to collective action for a zero carbon, zero waste Aotearoa New Zealand that honours mana Māori motuhake and regenerates Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

The Para Kore whānau are passionate about and committed to collective action for a zero carbon, zero waste Aotearoa New Zealand that honours mana Māori motuhake and regenerates Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

Tauira will learn from some of our leading Para Kore experts on how to manaaki our whenua.

Waka Tete / Tārai Waka

Tauira will learn the anatomy of a waka tēte while simultaneously watching a waka being carved by Rātā.

Rātā - He Kaha Ki Uta is a collection of kaitārai and mātanga waka. All united to carve a single waka built on the bakbone of whanaungatanga.

The whānau a Rātā includes:
- Tohunga Whakairo: Te Warahi Hetaraka
- Kauri Parata
- Poutama Hetaraka
- Tohunga Whakatere Waka: Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr
- Renata Te Wiata
- Taroi Rawiri
- Sam Hauwaho
- Ben Jolley
- Te Ariki Wi Neera
- Tohunga Whakatere Waka: Stan Conrad
- Hine Waitai-Dye
- Billy Harrison
- Tohunga Whakairo: James Eruera

Star Compass

Learn about the star compass and how it is used for celestial navigation

Kaumoana will teach tauira how tūpuna used their taiao (environment) to sail across the vast Pacific Ocean with an instrument called a 'Kāpehu Whetū'.

Ngā Papa Rā

With a makeshift sailing rig fit for the whenua, learn how the tūpuna used their specially designed sails to make their way across Te Moana nui a Kiwa.

The land rig is a perfect way to learn how to manage the sails of a waka hourua, from the comfort of the whenua. Join our kaumoana as they teach tauira how to use prepare and set waka hourua sails.

Tuia Mātauranga Truck

As part of the Tuia Mātauranga Education Programme, the roadshow truck provides an interactive and immersive experience suitable for all ages. Visitors will take part in a journey of learning and storytelling that includes an activity book, mobile app-supported activities, and a virtual reality experience. There will be activities for young people and their whānau to participate in, supporting a shared learning experience.

Knots & Lashes

Learn up close about the different knots and lashes from our most professional kaumoana. Check out how they use taura to put together a waka hourua!

Stardome Education

Beneath the Stardome, learn more about the practice of celestial navigation - the art and science of finding your way by the stars, sun, moon and planets. Listen to our waka crew as they bring to life Māori astronomy and the navigation techniques of the earliest Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa voyagers.