Where did the waka in New Zealand come from?
Waka in New Zealand. Waka are built from tree trunks. In Polynesia, waka were narrow and not very stable, because they were carved from narrow trees. Some canoes had outriggers at the side to keep them steady.
Why is waka ama important to Maritime New Zealand?
As the numbers participating have grown, so too has the need to address safety and wellbeing. Relationships forged between Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) and groups such as the Ngā Waka Federation, have enabled the development of rules to help the paddlers of Aotearoa use waka ama safely.
How did the Maori build their waka canoes?
Waka are built from tree trunks. In Polynesia, waka were narrow and not very stable, because they were carved from narrow trees. Some canoes had outriggers at the side to keep them steady. But New Zealand had vast forests of big trees such as tōtara and kauri. Māori built wider waka that were more stable in the water, with no outriggers.
What kind of trees are Waka made from?
Waka in New Zealand. Waka are built from tree trunks. In Polynesia, waka were narrow and not very stable, because they were carved from narrow trees. Some canoes had outriggers at the side to keep them steady. But New Zealand had vast forests of big trees such as tōtara and kauri.
When did waka ama start in New Zealand?
When Nga Kaihoe o Aotearoa (Waka Ama NZ), formed in 1987 and was awarded hosting rights for the 1990 World Sprint Championships, there were no outrigger canoes (waka ama) in the country. Thanks to a Hillary Commission grant and some very passionate people, a fleet of canoes were built for the World Championships and distributed around the country.
How big is the waka canoe in New Zealand?
The canoe is big — nearly 120 feet long. It’s carved from the trunks of three kauri trees and sits squat and fat in the water off the beach below Te Tii marae at Waitangi. The order is given, “Kia rite!” All the paddles dip into the water together.
Where did the waka ama canoe come from?
Waka ama, or outrigger canoes, are part of the culture of Pacific people. In recent years, they have become a popular passtime. After Aotearoa New Zealand was settled by the first Polynesian voyagers, waka design and use went through a number of evolutionary stages.