Waka event unique draw card for Tremains Art Deco Weekend

This year’s world-renowned Tremains Art Deco weekend welcomes a unique new draw card to the much anticipated programme of events.

Ngati Kahungunu’s traditional Maori sailing Waka, which has made Napier’s inner harbour home after a two year voyage around the Pacific, is at the centre of the ‘Waka Experience’ event.

The grand vessel will take passengers on a two-hour journey around Hawke Bay where they will be treated to stories of local Maori legend and an insight into life for local Maori prior to the 1931 earthquake. And that’s just the beginning!

The sail is followed by morning or afternoon tea whilst local schools perform Kapa Haka.

“Waka Experience showcases the history of local Maori and is told from a Maori perspective,” Art Deco Trust Manager, Sally Jackson says. “Because of the strong local involvement, it is expected that others in the community, particularly Maori and youth, will take part.”

Waka Experience is led by Te Matau ā Maui Voyaging Trust and involves a number of other local providers and groups including Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc, Ngati Paarau (Awa Studio), William Colenso High School, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Ara Hou, Pukemokimoki Marae, Te Whanganui a Orotu , Band, Greta Carney Caterer, the Art Deco Trust and Napier City Council.

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton says it is wonderful to see so many local organisations collaborating on something that will benefit locals as much as visitors.

“We have so much talent in Napier and it’s great to see it being showcased in the likes of Kapa Haka performances, and of course we have this amazing treasure of a Waka at home in our inner harbour – how special is that,” Mr Dalton says.

Tickets for the event cost $75 and are available from the Art Deco Trust. There will be free entry to ‘Waka Central’, located in a marquee at the Napier Sailing Club, which will house exhibits that depict locally significant stories and people.

For the first time ever, Tremains Art Deco Weekend will be officially opened with a Powhiri at Napier’s Inner Harbour. The Powhiri will feature the Waka being welcomed into the Marina by local Kaumatua and Kapa Haka groups. The Powhiri, to be held on 18 February at 9am, is open to the public.

“The Powhiri is a very special and fitting way to launch this year’s Tremains Art Deco Weekend,” Ms Jackson says. “I imagine it will be rather breathtaking.”

For more details about Waka Experience or the official opening of Tremains Art Deco Weekend 2014, please contact the Art Deco Trust on 835 0022.

ENDS

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