Waka Exhibition Brings Ancestral Traditions to Katikati Museum

A five-metre carved waka taua (Māori war canoe) has taken centre stage at Western Bay Museum this week as part of the 'Te Au o Maui – A Waka Live Exhibition', running from 25 to 29 June. The replica vessel, which first greeted visitors at Katikati's Matariki Dawn Service last Friday, is now on display at the museum, offering the community a rare chance to connect with ancestral waka traditions.

Renowned master carver Hingangaroa Smith and waka builder and carver Haimona Brown are on site daily from 10am to 4pm, conducting live demonstrations of traditional techniques including lashing, carving, and waka construction. A noon waka kōrero is also held each day for those wanting to learn more.

"This is a unique opportunity for the community to reconnect with our ancestral waka traditions," said Haimona Brown. "Preserving waka craftsmanship is vital – today, fewer than a handful of waka remain in Tauranga Moana." The waka will remain on long-term display at the museum following the exhibition.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).