Statue of the Maori Maiden - Wairaka

This statue is of the Maori maiden Wairaka, who gave the town of Whakatane its name.

When the migratory canoe Mataatua arrived here, the men went ashore leaving the women in the waka (canoe). When the waka began drifting back to sea, the women were afraid. It was Tapu for them to touch the paddles - against the law.

Wairaka, the captain's daughter, was not about to let them perish at sea. She took up the paddles and cried "E! Kia whakatane au i ahau" (let me act the part of a man). Soon the other women followed her lead and they were saved.

Whakatane means 'act like a man'.

The statue was erected in 1965 by Sir William Sullivan, a local man, in memory of Wairaka and of his wife who died at sea.

A day of stocktake with just enough time to catch the sunset at the Whakatane Heads with the silhouette of the Maori maiden Wairaka. The Heads as we called it is a fabulous area for picnicing, swimming, rock exploring, fishing and a great place to be in all kinds of weather. It is used by fisherman all year round with many deep sea fishing boats and local boaties crossing the river bar as they head out to sea.