Waka Centre development underway in Aotearoa
Construction of the Kupe Wake Centre at Aurere in Doubtless Bay, Northland will go ahead this year with the recent signing of a $4.3 million contract between Arawai Ltd and the New Zealand government’s Provincial Growth Fund.
The project will fulfil the vision that the late kaumatua, Sir Hek Busby had, of a centre that makes kaupapa waka available to all. Sir Hek, who passed away in May 2019, led the revival of waka building, ocean voyaging and traditional navigation in Aotearoa over the last 30 years.
Kupe Waka Centre project manager, Dr Peter Phillips acknowledged the support of PGF during the planning phase.
“Now that the development is underway it will help meet PGF’s aims to enhance economic development opportunities, create sustainable jobs, enable Māori to reach their full potential, boost social inclusion and participation, build resilient communities, and help meet climate change targets,” said Dr Phillips.
“A key way in which this will be done is to ensure that as much of the work as possible goes to Northland businesses.
“Arawai Ltd, which is leading the development, also wants to start engaging with the local community to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the development,” said Dr Phillips. “One of our aims is to offer visits to every primary school class in Northland over the coming years.”
The work programme for the development involves 30 projects for construction of the Kupe Waka Centre, including three new buildings.
The largest, the Whare Whetū or Star House, will use Virtual Reality headsets to give people an experience of celestial navigation and waka sailing.
Other projects at the Centre include: a new waka cover under which the double-hull, ocean-going waka, Te Aurere, will be repaired; safety improvements at the entrance on SH10; an upgrade to the access road and a new carpark; and construction of a new jetty.
The new Kupe Waka Centre will continue the waka building, education and training that dates back to 1988. It will also have guided tours for visitors which will provide a source of income to support the Centre and waka building and sailing.
New paths will be laid to accessible standards to ensure that everyone will be able to visit all parts of the Centre including the Star Compass, the Whare Wānanga and the carving shed.
Environmental restoration will be a key part of the programme with the recovery of the ponds on the site, a revegetation programme and pest control.
There is also an emphasis on water conservation with storage tanks for roof water as well as the storage in the ponds. One of the ponds will also have a tethered waka tangata so that people can be taught to paddle in safety.
The Kupe waka Centre is expected to open in late 2021.
