Tākaka Plans Home for Historic 700-Year-Old Waka

Efforts are underway to establish a dedicated facility for Aotearoa’s most significant archaeological find, the Anaweka waka, in the Tasman town of Tākaka. Discovered 13 years ago by a family picnic in Golden Bay, this 700-year-old artefact is a 6-metre fragment of what was once a longer, double-hulled, ocean-going canoe.

For much of the time since its unearthing, the waka has remained submerged in a polyethylene glycol solution within a shed, hidden from public view to ensure its preservation. Now, with plans to complete the drying process by the end of the year, local authorities are moving forward with a proposal for a purpose-built facility that will house the waka and celebrate its historical significance.

Community Collaboration for a Cultural Landmark

The initiative has garnered support from the three local iwi—Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Rārua, and Ngāti Tama—forming the collective known as Manawhenua ki Mohua. After discussions, the iwi have settled on a plan to build the wharewaka adjacent to the Golden Bay Museum, located at the intersection of Commercial and Reilly Streets. This site is already designated for museum use.

In a meeting last month, the Tasman District Council endorsed the location in principle, pending public consultation. Butch Little, chair of the Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu Trust, expressed optimism about the collaborative effort, stating, “Local stakeholders—including the council, iwi, and ahikā—are prepared to work together on the project.”

Public engagement will play a crucial role in moving forward, as Little highlighted the importance of community input before exploring funding options. “This will be significant,” he noted, emphasizing the need for the facility to honor the mana of the waka, which has been termed the country’s most important archaeological discovery.

A Vision for Cultural Education and Tourism

Little envisions the wharewaka as more than just a display for the waka itself. He plans to create a space that will educate visitors about the rich history of local Māori culture, including their knowledge of celestial navigation and canoe construction. “This will provide an opportunity to tell stories, showcase other artefacts, and share the history of voyaging,” he said. “We want to inspire generations and create something the community can be proud of.”

Once established, the wharewaka is expected to attract visitors to the region, enhancing the existing waka tourism in the Abel Tasman area. “It will draw people specifically to see this historical treasure,” Little remarked. “Visitors will come just for that purpose.”

The proximity of the wharewaka to the Golden Bay Museum is seen as an honor. Frank Susko, chair of the museum board, noted that it will significantly enhance the understanding of the historical importance of Golden Bay, particularly regarding the early encounters between Māori and Europeans.

Karen Johnson, the museum’s services manager, added that the facility would also allow for the display of other Māori artefacts, many of which are currently not on view. “There’s so much that could be incorporated,” she stated.

Despite the preliminary agreement on the site, considerable work remains before construction can begin. This includes further analysis, detailed designs, fundraising, and community consultation. Little emphasized the need for a thoughtful approach, stating, “We want to do it properly, making it relevant to what else is shown there.”

As the project progresses, the community anticipates celebrating this significant find. “This will be a topic of conversation for a long time once it’s up and running,” Little concluded. The Anaweka waka is among a rare lineage of Polynesian ocean-voyaging canoes, being only the second known to have survived to this day, alongside artifacts discovered in French Polynesia and the Chatham Islands.