Mataatua Toroa Waka Taua

A little bit of history.

The Mataatua Toroa waka taua (canoe) first landed at Whakatane approximately 700 years ago. It was captained by Toroa, accompanied by his brother Puhi, his sister Muriwai, his son Ruaihona and daughter Wairaka, bringing supplies of kumara (sweet potato) from Hawaiki. The descendants of the Mataatua crew settled in the region.

Note the use of Paua shell used for the eyes in the carvings, used to frighten intruders in the dark. The Mataatua waka can be found on the Mataatua Reserve at the Whakatane Heads. The light was bad and the waka is caged so perhaps not the best shot.

Having a wonderful time with my cousin S and her hubby and two teenage daughters, similar ages of Daughter A and Daughter E. I'm enjoying the peacefulness of staying in the country and Mum is enjoying staying with her sister in town. My cousin owns a sourvenier and gift shop and I have come to help stocktake - it won't take too long once we get started, we keep getting sidetracked with some sightseeing :)