Waka Ama

This morning saw the return of a Waka to Lake Wakatipu, something that has been missing for a long time. Luckily, I managed to catch the end of the blessing and watch the crew do a circle around the basin. Fresh snow on the hills and a strong wind were enough to keep them from completing the original course to Kelvin Heights, it looks like that Southerly wind is hanging around.

Stephen, who works at the bakery with me, had been central to returning a Waka to this area, I asked him to explain a bit about the history and meaning of the event. Here are his words:

"The Powhiri, meaning Welcome is a very significant Ceremony for Maori, the indigenous people of this land Aotearoa - (New Zealand) As we were the first original people to ever step on to these shores, we migrated here on Waka-Canoe, navigating by ocean currents and the winds and stars. The first arrival came from East Polynesia in the 13th Century. It was not until 1642 that Europeans became aware that this country actually existed. It was a journey which began from Hawai'i and where our people originally migrated from. This is why the blessing of any Waka for the first time on any sea or lake is very symbolical to the Maori people. It was appropriate to lift the Tapu of the lake before the Waka Takiwai was placed on the water, Tapu meaning sacred ground. The Powhiri is a very Spiritual and moving event in Maori Custom acknowledging our Tipuna- Ancestors with paying our respect."

I must say that the atmosphere was electric as I approached the blessing, on such a cold morning and such an early hour, it was wonderful to see so many people and feel their excitement. Even the children were happy and well behaved! Disappointed I couldn't join in the Haka when I accidentally stood beside the guys and girls performing it. Maybe I should learn it for next time.

A fantastic thanks to him for this explanation, I have learnt from it and it gives a real sense of the significance to things. When dad and I heard the story of greenstone being collected from Milford sound, these are the kind of 'boats' they used to get there and transport things, you can see more pictures here,just click 'next' on the top right hand side of the picture to scroll through 5 pictures.