Maiden voyage brings community together

More than a year of hard work has culminated in the completion of a traditional vaka constructed by Dunedin’s Pasifika community.

Yesterday, about 20 members of the community gathered as the vaka was blessed before entering the water on its maiden voyage in Andersons Bay Inlet.

Pacific Trust Otago chief executive Lester Dean said seeing the canoe launched was a special moment.

"It held up well, even in choppy waters."

The builder of the canoe, Cook Islander Papa Mata Taurarii, came from a long line of canoe builders in the Cooks, and his skill was evident in the finished vaka, Mr Dean said.

"He spent many, many hours on it.

"The wattle timber was challenging to work with at times, different from the timber in the islands and prone to splitting as it dried."

Papa Mata Taurarii takes a traditional vaka on its first outing yesterday following a blessing at...
Papa Mata Taurarii takes a traditional vaka on its first outing yesterday following a blessing at Andersons Bay Inlet. PHOTOS: STEPHEN JAQUIERY

 

In three sea trials of the canoe it was discovered the wattle wood had to be sealed and waterproofed to make it seaworthy.

The boat was made to be used for fishing and was not a display item, he said.

"It is not only about reviving the craft, but also about bringing the community together to use it."

For those involved in the build, it had been a journey of appreciating the patience, skill and knowledge of their forefathers, who created and shaped their vaka from the environment around them, with a minimum of tools but plenty of time, he said.

"We have tried to emulate their efforts but, of course, we have modern technology to achieve our own goals to keep our culture and craft alive and well through building our own vaka in Dunedin."

Despite delays caused by Covid-19, it was hoped another four of the boats would be completed in the next year.

emma.perry@odt.co.nz

 

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