Paddling a Waka

Paddles at the ready at the Ngai Tahu Hui-a-Tau at Puketeraki

Karitane November 2010
Karitane is a blissful little seaside settlement about 40 minutes north of Dunedin. In addition to its ocean beach, it has a beautiful estuary area and that's where those attending Ngai Tahu's annual Hui-a-Tau (this year hosted by Puketeraki Marae), could turn their hand to a bit of waka ama paddling. I've written a heap about waka ama before - just click on the words in the below label line if you want to know more about the difference between waka ama and waka taua etc.

Hats at the Hui

Last Friday, I headed south to Karitane, about 30 minutes north of Dunedin, for the annual Ngai Tahu Hui-a-Tau hosted by Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki. The three-day event was staged at the Karitane reserve overlooking the very pretty estuary and for the most part, the weather held. The Hui-a-Tau is a chance for Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu to meet with all iwi runanga and representatives to discuss the years activities, business and concerns. And while all those formalities are taking place, I'm usually found taking in the details of the event - photographing people and places, artisans and 'aunties.' At this year's event, I was particularly taken with all the hats, so I've decided to start my coverage with a short 'hat parade' - candid shots of a few iwi members taken during proceedings.

And Hat's Off to organisers for another successful event