Traditional Celestial Navigator

“I strongly believe that I’m not here by chance. I always believed our ancestors were not accidental or wind blown sailors.”

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	NORTHLAND REGION Northland is a magnet for beach lovers, surfers and star-crossed sea gazers. Carve yourself a head rest in the sand or surrender to the more energetic joys of fishing and diving.
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	EXPERIENCE THE POWHIRI Experience the powhiri, a ceremony of welcome extended to visitors by Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.
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Traditional Maori Navigator

Legendary Maori leader, Hekenukumai Nga Iwi Busby is New Zealand's leading authority on traditional Polynesian and Maori stellar navigation. His knowledge and skills also extend to the traditional art of Maori carving. Examples of waka (canoes) he has built range from small river craft to twin hulled ocean going vessels. All bear the respected signature of this famous New Zealander.

Waitangi National Trust Reserve, Bay of Islands
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	Interview
	HECTOR BUSBY Q. You work and live at Doubtless Bay in the very far north of New Zealand, what is special about this part of the country? A. This land - Aurere (on the shores of Doubtless Bay) has plenty of history about the arrival and settlement of my Maori ancestors. Even today nothing much has changed - it's still pristine, unaffected by greed and over exploitation. I can walk out my back door go down to the river and spear Flounder or get a bag of mussels. Or walk out my front door onto the beach and fish for Snapper or Marlin. Read More

Large voyaging canoes of over 60 feet in length were quite capable of carrying ample provisions for early Maori on their 2000 mile journey to New Zealand. These craft were equipped with sail as well as the power of selected men, stout of shoulder to bear the strain of the deep sea paddle. The most important member of the crew was the navigator. His knowledge of star navigation and interpretation of wind, cloud and ocean current would determine a successful outcome. Very few waka and crew were ever lost at sea.

New Zealand's great forests and abundant natural resources provided Maori with new materials that were to influence the design and construction of waka. As settlements flourished, the twin hulled ocean waka became redundant. In its place, much swifter and manoeuvrable single hulled waka were built and utilised for a variety of purposes. Foremost was the Maori war canoe or waka taua. Exploration and trade also flourished along the lakes and waterways of the interior, rivalling that of many coastal settlements.

The mighty waka Ngatokimatawhaorua, inside the waka shelter at Waitangi
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In the summer months from January to early March, the nation's seafaring heritage goes on show. Vessels of all shapes and sizes can be seen plying pristine coastal and inland waterways. At Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, the commemorative celebrations of New Zealand's founding treaty (the Treaty of Waitangi) are supported by a flotilla of waka. Visitors to Waitangi will witness the war canoe, Nga Toki Matahourua and its crew in full ceremonial regalia - a unique and emotional experience.

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