Aotearoa One

Aotearoa One is a modern interpretation of a traditional waka (canoe). It was launched in 2003 for Te Wananga 0 Aotearoa at their Mangere campus. In 2010, the boat sailed to Warkworth for a major overhaul, and after that (before heading north to the Bay of Islands for the Waitangi Day celebrations) took some people for a sail. The waka regularly sails north to Waitangi, and young persons are invited to sail it.

The Tumaki (Chief Executive) of the training organisation, Te Wananga o Aotearoa named the waka Aotearoa One. The name has great significance. Aotearoa stands for Maori and other Polynesian peoples, while the English word One stands for the Pakeha and other settlers who came after Maori. The combined words represents one country; one people.

This year during the winter months, the Maritime Museum in Auckland (Tamaki Makaroa) is offering one hour sailing trips on the Waitemata Harbour. During the trip, patrons will learn about Maori and Polynesian culture and sailing methods. 


Today I was lucky enough to be in the right place to take a photo as it set out on one of it’s journeys.