Master Carvers Bring Waka Traditions to Life at Katikati Museum

A rare live exhibition of traditional waka construction is under way at Western Bay Museum in Katikati this week, giving Bay of Plenty residents the chance to watch master carvers at work. A five-metre replica Waka Taua (ceremonial carved canoe) was moved into the museum on Monday, 23 June, after being displayed at the Katikati Matariki Dawn Service the previous Friday.

Renowned master carver Hingangaroa Smith and waka builder and carver Haimona Brown are on site daily from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday 25 June through Sunday 29 June, with a noon waka kōrero held each day. The pair built the waka themselves around six years ago for use in wānanga — a traditional Māori method of learning — and are now opening that knowledge up to the wider public.

Smith and Brown, along with fellow carver Joshie, are working on re-lashing, carving, maintenance and adornments throughout the exhibition. Museum manager Paula Gaelic said the initiative also supports the long-term refurbishment of the ceremonial canoe, known as Te Au o Maui, for permanent display at the museum, helping to preserve waka heritage for future generations.

Brown noted that fewer than a handful of waka remain in Tauranga Moana today, making the preservation of this knowledge increasingly urgent. "Our history as a nation is intertwined with these vessels, and it's important we keep this knowledge alive for future generations," he said. Western Bay Museum is at 32 Main Road, Katikati, and is open 10am–4pm for the duration of the event.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).