Te Ao Maori

Auckland iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei launch their new ceremonial waka

07:45 am on 28 June 2024

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From the deep deep South we're now going to the Waitemataa. Auckland iwi Ngati Whatua Orakei launched their new ceremonial waka off the shores of Okahu Bay on Sunday, after more than 20 years without one. Iwi members gathered on Okahu Bay Beach before dawn, marching from nearby Orakei marae to bless their new canoe. Te Kawau replaces their old waka, Mahuhu ki te rangi. Maori news reporter Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira was there and filed this report.