The waka
Today, I’ll really reach the Abel Tasmen National Park. I’m só tempted to take a hike… and still it isn’t wise with my knee. Did I tell? Twisted it up north, in the National Park. It still works, kind of… but doesn’t except so much. Thus, I work around the contrains with alternatives.
Today, it is ‘learning to handle a waka’. A waka is the traditional Maori boat. The type, they use(d) for hundreds of years, not just around the island, also for crossing the ocean.
As usual, I took the bus, to reach Kaiteriteri. Called itself ‘Better bus’. Never had so little leg space in a bus as in this one. Better not.
Lilian from Waka Tours took us – a little group of 4 – along the whole way. We started with a Welcome and blessing ceremony at the beach. Acknoledging Mother Earth for all she provides, the waters, for all it connects, each and everyone of us (now and here), our lands, connections and ancestors. We gave grace to our encounter, made connection, started our te tiri – working together.
A waka is a family member. It takes the tree a long time to grow, at takes a lot of effort – together – to bless and cut the tree and make a waka out of it. The waka will be treated well, as a person, as part of the family. Little things matter: you do not step over it. You walk around. Respect that it was made from a living being. Remember that.
Communication in the boat is easy. I think, in the northern hemisphere, we would call it commands. And that is exactly what it is not. Nobody is commanding the other. You work together. You communicate, make it work. Respect, that it takes the effort of everybody to ensure succes of the journey. The one upfront is the one who is able to keep a strong rythm in the strikes of the paddles. The one at the end is stearing. For certain manouvres, you need to paddle differently. It’s all about communicating, with leaving enough time for the others to respond.
On the way, we learned about pā, sacred places, barrior islands and traditions, birds, trees and shrubs. The water was amazing! We had a little lunchbreak on a beautiful beach, learned about food, eatable plants and legends. Even tried to blow the shelp. Went a kind of …okay
We learned to do a haka (kind of warrior call), what’s about and even challengend another waka. An impressive moment: they responded with welcome and blessings, not wanted to be challenged. And we went on in peace, friendly, with respect for each other. Loved it!
