Watch: Panel discussion – Te Aurere’s maiden voyage
The original crew from the waka hourua Te Aurere recall its 1992 voyage to Rarotonga, which would chart the course for future voyaging in Aotearoa New Zealand.
To celebrate the opening of the exhibition Manu Rere Moana | Pacific Voyagers, this panel reunites the original crew of Te Aurere 30 years after its maiden voyage.
Te Aurere, Ngatangiia, Rarotonga 1992, Image courtesy of Te Tai Tokerau Tārai Waka Inc and Jack Thatcher
Hekenukumai Ngāiwi Busby (Papa Hek) led the revitalisation of waka building, navigation, and voyaging here in Aotearoa New Zealand, under the guidance of Satawalese navigator Mau Piailug. In 1992, Hekenukumai’s dream became a reality: Te Aurere – the first waka hourua to be built here in 600 years – made its inaugural voyage.
Te Aurere's Maiden Voyage Crew 1992, Image courtesy of Te Tai Tokerau Tārai Waka Inc and Jack Thatcher
With panel facilitators Ngawaiata Evans and Keringawai Evans-Larkin, left to right are Jack Thatcher, Sam Hauwaho, Stanley Conrad, Craig Subritzky, Martin Bercic. Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp, and Pita Turei.
Transcription to come.