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Waka
A unique cultural project presented by Te Roopu Ataawhai Inc. (Melbourne) and Te Rangatahi Inc (Perth) in partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria was celebrated at Birrarung Marr (Yarra River) and Federation Square on Saturday 3rd September 2005. A record number of participants was reported by Federation Square who estimated that between 45,000 and 50,000 people passed through the Square.
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Te Karangatahi, the name of the traditionally carved, 12 metre long Maori Canoe (Waka), was pivotal in the community cultural celebrations that day.
An Aboriginal ‘Smoking Ceremony’ started the Victorian launch of Te Karangatahi. The ‘tangata whenua’ (people of the land) believe this ceremony takes away the bad spirits and cleanses and heals the people who walk through it’. The Nga Hoe Waka (rowers) walked through the smoke as they boarded Te Karangatahi to row from Burnley to Birrarung Marr. Te Karangatahi was then returned to be displayed at Federation Square afterward.
Te Karangatahi has a fibre glass hull but the carvings are made of Totara timber shipped specially from New Zealand to Perth. “We look on the carvings as a living entity, which physically link us to our ancestors” said Wairangi Paki from Te Rangatahi Inc (Perth), who was instrumental in the building of the Waka.
The Taonga (sacred carvings) of the Waka, Taurapa (rear carving),Tauihu (front carving) and Rauawa (side carving) are profoundly beautiful with its paua shell and feather inserts, and inspired by historical events and tribal affiliations. They were hand carved by the community in Perth led by a team of master carvers from New Zealand.
Jill Morgan of Multicultural Arts Victoria says ‘to see the Waka on the water is a spell binding experience. The energy of the warriors performing their haka is contagious and when you hear the ‘karanga’ (traditional Maori calling), it is spine tingling’.
Makere Maru’s ‘karanga’ to everyone on the foreshore at 12.00, signalled the opening of a smorgasbord of food and art & craft stalls at Federation Square.
The popular musician Mita Kaa of 2XL and Australian Idol, and favoured New Zealand Actor Rawiri Paratene, Grandfather in the famous New Zealand movie ‘Whalerider’, motivated and cajoled the crowd in their roles as MC. Federation Square came alive with Aboriginal, Tongan, Samoan, Cook Island, Rarotonga, Maori, Hip Hop and R ‘N B groups performing on stage from 12.00 pm.
At 5 pm an attempt was made to beat the current Guiness World Book of Records for the “Largest Haka Performed outside New Zealand”. Every ethnic group attending the celebrations was encouraged to participate in this momentous occasion and asked to register officially. A short practise was allocated and in order for the Haka to be acknowledged by the Guiness World Book of Records, a full five minutes of Haka had to be completed. A record number of registrations were received (2,289) and photographic, video and audio evidence is being perused by the Guiness people at this moment. Results should be received early next year if the attempt was successful.
Another highlight of the Celebrations was the LIVE screening at Federation Square of the Bledisloe Cup, NZ All Blacks vs Australian Wallabies at 5.30pm. The All Blacks were the winners of the match and deemed the winners of the 2005 Bledisloe Cup.
Festival New Zealand – Kotahitanga - Unity was generously supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Melbourne City Council. Special thanks for their support go out to the New Zealand Consulate – General, New Zealand Victorian Business Group, Federation Square, Parks Victoria, JMA Fibre Glass Contractors, AB Electrical Group, SES, Victorian Water Police, Victorian Police and the many families who have given their time generously to make this happen.
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