Sir Hek Busby Kupe Waka Centre

In 1985 the Hawaiian waka Hōkūle’a arrived in Aotearoa~New Zealand sparking a revival of waka building, ocean voyaging, and traditional wayfinding led by the late Sir Hekenukumai Ngāiwi Puhipi Busby.  Sir Hek founded the Kupe Waka Centre as a place to promote education and training in all matters related to waka, with a special emphasis on young people.  His vision Included sharing waka stories and skills with visitors from around the world so they can understand the feats of Polynesian navigators who settled Hawai’i, Rapanui (Easter Island) and Aotearoa over about 300 years. From November 2023 the Waka Centre will be open for guided tours that include an introduction in virtual reality to waka sailing and celestial navigation.