#aurere

more random buuuullshiiiit

Photos above document the lead up and amazing dance performance by two charter schools. One from Hamilton, Aotearoa and the other from Hilo, Hawaii! One of the upsides to Globalisation where connections like this can be made. I felt privileged witnessing this momentous occasion where two beautiful cultures came together and danced hula as one. Other photos include Hekenukumai Busby.

Launching a book, a waka and saying good bye to Hōkūle’a

Hekenukumai Busby is an profound man. Not only has he been a significant force in the revitalization of celestial navigation he is also a tohunga waka builder. Last weekend I was lucky enough to be in Aurere, for the double launch of his book “Not Here By Chance” by Jeff Evans and the waka tangata (built here at his wananga) for the Whangarei charter school Te Kaapehu Whetu.

Here is an extract from my diary:

“We left at 4am in the morning. It was dark but we were intent on getting to Aurere for Hōkūle’a’s farewell ceremony and see Hek and Aunty Gina. I hadn’t really told mum what it was going to be like - the honour, the priviledge that always overcame you when you took part in these kinds of waka events. Especially where Hōkūle’a + Nainoa + Bruce was concerned. I was thankful mum took over the driving because I (unhelpfully) passed out... until Mangonui when I saw Hōkū floating there peacefully in the harbour: anchored, alone, looking ancient. Mum said she looks like she belonged there - “that’s the way she should look” - as apposed to tied up to a dock I suppose.

Almost there, we swing through Taipa and I luckily spotted his obscure, unnamed driveway/bridge as we fly past it. It is fitting a bridge is the entrance to his home because Hekenukumai was a bridge builder before he met Nainoa and became “fascinated with the idea of seeing a waka taua on his shore line”, captivated by the potential of navigating and walking in the footsteps of our tupuna.. Walking forward in our past.

We pull up, on the edge of the star compass, overlooking Doubtless Bay which is roaring and pale blue. I see aunty Hoki and Kate and we walk into the marquee to see the crew and all the Greats sitting on one side flanked with hula dances, teenagers in kihei and Maori kids in their kapahaka gears. What a sight! Nainoa began to speak, we had made it perfectly in time...

Nainoa spoke about how Aurere was the place - the best place in Aotearoa to study navigation (it is very starry) and it was fitting Hōkū would be leaving ‘home’ aka the Polynesian Triangle from Aurere (and re-entering in Rapanui.) He reminded us of his connection to Hector and how much Hector had done for navigation and revival of waka tarai here in Aotearoa. Nainoa honoured Hek and his achievements.”