It's an interesting thought. A big Waka as part of Party Central. Supported by Ngati Whatua and Pita Sharples. When I did the Maori Planning paper at Auckland Uni a couple of years ago - before Queens Wharf came into true public ownership - I did a big assignment about the absence of Maori/Polynesian/Pacific culture or history on Auckland's waterfront. As if European reclamations had wiped it from the face of the Waitemata Harbour....
My recommendations to the Ngati Whatua Iwi Authority (remember - this is an assignment - not a commissioned report) included these ones that I quote here:
(1) Develop a Waka Culture Plan for Waitemata Harbour and Tangata Whenua, which includes of these elements:
- researching and documenting the history of waka use in Waitemata Harbour
- developing a database of all existing waka and waka heritage originating in or relating to Waitemata Harbour, and adjoining Hauraki Gulf area
- commissioning of ideas for re-establishment of waka culture in Waitemata Harbour and on the Auckland isthmus, linking into Western Reclamation opportunity
- management of hui and other marae based discussions, using the commissioned ideas to stimulate iwi, hapu and broader tangata whenua engagement and involvement
(2) Advocate for Iwi Cultural & Economic Presence on Western Reclamation Park, which includes these ideas:
- whakarewarewa is an example which Rotorua iwi have strategically developed in the cultural and economic interests of iwi, and in the interests of manaakitanga – which they describe as: “placing a responsibility on us as your hosts to give you the best of ourselves, our time and our history…”
- aim for the implementation of a Ngati Whatua Waitemata Harbour Waka Culture plan including establishment of appropriate infrastructure on the Park at the Western Reclamation, forming part of an authentic Maori Maritime Culture renaissance at Auckland and in the Waitemata Harbour.
These ideas don't need to be restricted to Tank Farm now that Queens Wharf is firmly in the public frame. Think Queens Wharf now, when you think "Maori presence in Auckland"....
And check this pic out. Auckland waterfront circa 1850. Mainly waka drawn up to service the needs of lower Queen Street.... I say - go Ngati Whatua on this. If we can have a plastic tent, and a plastic rugby ball on Queens Wharf for Rugby World Cup, then we can have a bloody big plastic waka as well!
If you want to read my research assignment, click here.
2 comments:
That picture of the waka at the bottom of Queen St is one I've come across before, but am surprised that it is not used more often. I have often wondered at the lack/small amount of Maori/Polynesian reference or acknowledgement on the Auckland Waterfront. It is strange that the story seems to begin from European landings. So I like your recommendations:
- researching and documenting the history of waka use in Waitemata Harbour
and
- developing a database of all existing waka and waka heritage originating in or relating to Waitemata Harbour, and adjoining Hauraki Gulf area
These sound like really good ideas to me. I'm not sure how you would proceed though, as sources seem to be quite limited. Did you come across any specific sources/leads for information in the course of your previous research?
You could check out my research paper. Link at end of blog posting.
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