Returning our waka to Wairarapa Moana

$9,936 of $11,690 goal

Given by 139 generous donors in around 12 months

We have a dream to establish a waka centre on the shores of Ōnoke (Lake Ferry) to bring our whānau back to our land and waters.

Wellington

Tēnā koutou,

We have a dream to establish a waka centre on the shores of Ōnoke (Lake Ferry) to bring our whānau back to our land and waters. The project was born out of a vision to reinstate waka to our ancestral waterways as a vehicle to revive the history, culture, and mauri of Wairarapa Moana. The kaupapa (project) is more than just competing, it’s building kaitaikitanga within our whānau as they connect with their moana both above and below the surface, exploring the reasons for and answers to poor water quality.

We have a full programme planned and plenty of expertise lined up to help with training. We'd like to thank our whānau who supported our rangatahi wānanga and Paascalino Schaller for capturing the essence of our vision.

We're asking if Aotearoa could please help us financially with this initiative. We have managed, through holding wānanga and some generous donors (Dan Taipua & Holland Road Yarn Company), to raise $9,109.45 so far. We are seeking an additional $12,690.55 to purchase a waka, mast, sail, and trolley for our waka club. All other gear has been donated (special thanks to Joel Ngatuere) or gathered from previous projects.

Aroha mutunga kore ki a koutou katoa.

About us

Our mission is that whānau are connected, inspired and empowered to share opportunities to thrive and lead in Te Ao.

Use of funds

The funds will go to purchasing a waka to set up a waka centre to return whānau to our moana.

Massive love and thanks to you all 17 December 2020

Today in collaboration with the Wairarapa Waka Ama Canoe Club, Te Rua o Mahara Wairarapa, and as part of our Kia Tū Kahikatea kaupapa, we held a rangatahi waka ama workshop on Ōnoke Moana (Lake Ōnoke).

It was a way for our rangatahi to learn about waka ama, stay healthy and connect to our lake. As part of the wānanga our pakeke (adults) get an opportunity to paddle as well.

We just wanted to update you and thank you so much for every person who donated funds. Because of you this can happen.

Our rangatahi and pakeke will also be discussing how they want a waka ama club to go forward so that we can shape it to the dreams and aspirations of our whānau.

We hope you stay safe and well during the holiday break.

Love from Te Rua o Mahara Wairarapa team.

Share this update

Read 2 more updates