Historical Recount: Voyaging Waka - Tim

The Tahunas Decisions


Have you ever wondered what the responsibilities of a Tahuna? Well my responsibilities were to make sure that we were heading in the right direction”. I had been memorising the stars and the position of the sun for the past  11 months. I am hoping there are winds that will take us to the new lands. I had to join this voyage because I was the best navigator in the village. I knew I would miss my family and friends but I was looking forward to seeing the new things in the new lands. I was frightened that the waka might sink and I was nervous about how long it might take to get to a land of big mysteries. Everybody on the boat is counting on me for the boat to go in the right direction and I cannot let them down.

First I had to go through a series of training for instance I had to navigate my way through the forest with Harakeke wrapped around my head. Next I had to move through another 3 series to get to train with my Tahuna and his Tahuna’s. I was feeling pretty sad because I don’t really want to leave my home.

Next we had to set sail, before it got dark, we also had to make sure that all of our supplies (Whakaputanga)  were ready. We said our final goodbye early sunday (Ratapu)  morning. We went on the waka to seek exciting adventures on the new land. I had to make sure the waka is going the right way because if I mess it up, I will lead the waka into the wrong direction. I cannot let the captain and the other passengers down.

First I had to go through a series of training for instance I had to navigate my way through the forest with Harakeke wrapped around my head.

As I was positioning the sun, I could hear birds and I could see that the ocean colour has changed. I was relieved. I did not let anyone down and I lead the waka in the right direction to a new and better land/village. I am still missing my Whanau back at the old village, but I am really happy that I can live in this beautiful land with the rest of my Whanau.

Throughout the voyage, I felt really delighted that I am living at another land. On the other hand I was really sad that I was leaving, however I was happy that I had some of my Whanau with me.