Council welcomes arrival of waka tētēkura

The arrival of the new waka tētēkura Te Hononga is a significant occasion for Wellingtonians, says Mayor Celia Wade-Brown – who was on hand to help welcome the new vessel early on Saturday morning (13 August).

“It will be a great sight to see this waka being regularly taken down to the lagoon from the wharewaka Te Raukura and being paddled out on to the harbour. The waka and its paddlers will provide a wonderful cultural asset to our Capital.”

Mayor Wade-Brown says she also looks forward to the pending arrival of the waka taua – being built in Northland with City Council funding – which is expected in Wellington later this month or in early September.

And Cr Paul Eagle, the City Council’s Community Engagement Portfolio Leader, says the arrival of the two waka will “really add to the waterfront – especially from a cultural point of view”.

“Te Raukura, the Wharewaka has already become an extremely important focal point on the waterfront since it opened on Waitangi Day – now the waka are ready to take their pride of place.”

Cr Eagle congratulated Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and the Wharewaka o Poneke Charitable Trust. “This is a proud day for Wellington. The presence of these waka will also greatly add to the atmosphere in the city and on the waterfront during the upcoming Rugby World Cup.”

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