“Waka in Europe” Launch

The “Waka in Europe” project – a unique partnership between Toi Maori Aotearoa and Museum Volkenkunde from the Netherlands – was celebrated in the Grand Hall at Parliament on Tuesday October 5th.

This partnership is behind the creation of the Waka “Te Hono ki Aotearoa” a 13.55 metre long, 955 kgs (dry) living taonga built by Toi Maori’s world renowned master waka builder and team of carvers.

The overall project has been funded by a €400,000+ grant arranged by Museum Volkenkunde – the Netherlands National Museum of Ethnology.

The function was hosted by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Honourable Christopher Finlayson and Associate Minister of Maori Affairs Georgina te Heuheu.

Also present was the new Ambassador from the Kingdom of the Netherlands – Arie van der Wiel and the Director of Museum Volkenkunde – Dr Steven Engelsman.

Dr Engelsman who initiated this unique partnership with Toi Maori, travelled from the Netherlands as the special guest of New Zealand.