Hoe synchronistically sink into the wind-tipped waters, pushing the waka towards the shores of Rāpaki. The doors open and we are welcomed to Wheke.
On our backs, looking up to the colourful roof, we can clearly see the tāhuhu (main ridge of the whare). There is Ranginui with his first wife, Pokohārua-te-pō. There is the waka of Aoraki, anchor rope severed and swaying — the waka that became our island.
Stories progress, and our eyes move to the pou tāhū. There is Tūterakiwhanoa, who shaped the land in preparation for man. There is Rākaihautū, Waitaha’s founding ancestor, carver of lakes, captain of the Uruao, he who consecrated the land with mauri. Owner of a mighty kō which now rests at Tuhiraki, a prominent peak above Akaroa.
The back walls are alive with the stories of whakapapa. Brett Lee lists names world famous in Rāpaki including Tamatea-Pōkai-Whenua (dragon ball z fire ball dude). Ask Iaean Cranwell about that one, expert in waka ama, kaitiakitanga and making things fun. We break out and discuss all the manu/birds and rākau/plants that adorn the wharenui. I listen as Craig Pauling casually reels off plant name, plant uses, soil conditions and more. Ka nui te mihi ki ēnei rangatira i tō koutou tautoko mai ki te kaupapa nei.
Laughter, kōrero and more waka ama completed our day in Te Pākata o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula.
This event was part of a network of awesome hīkoi happening across Aotearoa during Matariki. The nationwide hīkoi were organised by Aoraki Bound Alumni, and funded by Te Puni Kōkiri, to whom we are extremely appreciative. Nei ra te mihi ki a koutou katoa. Aoraki Matatu. Nā Donelle Manihera.
The rōpū hear more of the history of the area from Brett Lee.
Brett Lee gives the kōrero about the outside of Wheke.
Brett Lee gives the kōrero about the inside of Wheke.
The waka ama rōpū on their arrival to the bay.