A man wearing a kākahu (clothing garment) and holding a hīrau (waka paddle).

White text reads, "Te Kawau ki Tai. The Story of a Waka".

14m

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei begins a journey to revive a cherished tradition: the construction of their new waka taua.

Made with the support of NZ On Air & Te Māngai Pāho

6 episodes

Māhuhu o te Rangi

We’ll look back on Māhuhu o te Rangi—Aotearoa’s largest waka taua—its voyages on the Waitematā, and its place within the iwi.
Episode 1
14m

The Build

We explore the build itself, from the first sketch on the rākau to the final chisel strike. Based in Kaitaia over the summer months, carvers Katera Maihi and Hemi Eruera will work their magic.
Episode 2
14m

Ngā Kaihoe

The kaihoe will man the waka taua on its maiden voyage. The kaihoe starts preparation for this momentous occasion with land training that involves learning haka, ngeri, and technique.
Episode 3
11m

Ngā Wāhine

Wāhine play a critical role in whānau, hapu, and iwi as whare tangata (procreators) and whare matauranga (repositories of knowledge), but what role do they have in waka taua?
Episode 4
12m

The Final Stages

We join Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in the final stage of their preparations for the launch, which will bring all the elements of the waka journey together.
Episode 5
13m

Te Whakarewatanga

The final episode is the crescendo. On this day, history will be made as Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei launch their new waka taua on the Waitematā.
Episode 6
14m

Trailers & bonus video

Trailer

In the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei begins a transformative journey to revive a cherished tradition: the construction of their new waka taua.
3m

Produced by

Partner Logo for Aotearoa Media Collective for use on dark background

Made with the support of

Partner Logo for NZ on Air for use on dark background

Made with the support of

Partner Logo for Te Mangai Paho for use on dark background
https://www.tmp.govt.nz

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