Giant War Canoe To Stay at Waitangi

Northern Advocate, 10 February 1940, Page 6

Giant War Canoe To Stay at Waitangi

The giant war canoe “Ngatokimatawhaorua” is to remain at Waitangi and be a companion to the whare runanga, or carved council house, erected by the Maori people to commemorate the generous gift of the Waitangi Estate to the nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe. This was the unanimous decision of Northern tribes assembled in conference at Waitangi, and was in the nature of a gesture of loyalty to the British Empire, and with continued gratitude for Lord Bledisloe’s gift and in appreciation of the interest shown in the Maori people by Lord and Lady j Bledisloe. For Ceremonial Occasions The tribes decided at Waitangi that the canoe paddles and costumes for its crew should be handed over for safe custody to the Waitangi Trust Board to hold in perpetuity, subject only to the title or ownership remaining in Northern tribes. However, the canoe is to he available for the use of tribes on important ceremonial occasions. When not in use, it will be stored in a special building of Maori design to be erected close to the whare runanga. Carefully preserved, it should remain there for hundreds of years as a perfect example of Polynesian culture and Maori naval art. Princess Te Puea’s Part. Princess Te Puea this morning made it clear that the vessel was built by the Northern tribes, from Northern forests and money, and belonged solely to the Northern tribes. Her part in it was to inspire the workers with the old-time Maori spirit and to provide expert guidance when required and invited to do so.