Toi Māori Team Heads to the Netherlands

Toi Māori Team heads to the Netherlands to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the waka.

It’s been 5 years since the waka Te Hono ki Aotearoa was ceremonially placed at the Museum Volkenkunde. A small team of artists and officials of Toi Maori will celebrate the relationship and plan towards an annual event of kaupapa waka in Europe.

The team comprises Robert Gabel (Toi Māori Trustee; Chair Nga Waka Federation), husband and wife Sam Hauwaho (Master Carver) and Veranoa Hetet-Hauwaho (Master Weaver), five experienced waka personell Chapman (Chappy) Harrison, Rutene Gabel, Fuifui Teevale, Pomana Taniwha and Billy Harrison, led by Tamahou Temara (Operations Manager).

The team will be joined by the staff of the museum, Njord Royal Rowing Club and the Kohanga Reo o Ngāti Ranana participating in a public programme.

General Manager Toi Maori Garry Nicholas commented,

“The waka taua is a symbol of Pacific and particularly Maori design innovation and adaptation brought about by the availability of large trees in this country. The artistry of the carved features on the waka taua celebrates the use of resources this country provided early Maori settlers in greenstone tools. It also symbolises a vessel under good leadership, well trained crew and with clear objectives can achieve goals.”

Perhaps with those ideals its not surprising New Zealand is increasingly embracing Maori imagery and symbolism in its international profile. What was once the preserve of arts and cultural festivals may also see resonance in New Zealand business promotions.

Our international waka has participated at the the City of London Festival in July 2011 and the Queens Diamond Jubilee River Pageant in June 2012 and will also look for other future opportunities with our relationships in the northern hemisphere.

The team departs for the Netherlands after ANZAC DAY commemorations.

ENDS

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