"The five-day voyage provided our tauira (students) with opportunities they wouldn’t normally have access to. They got the chance to challenge themselves in a safe and supportive environment. As a result, each tauira grew in confidence, resilience and self-belief."
- Teacher Eru Taane, Te Wharekura o Ngati Maniapoto
Crew members prepare to cast off
The call of the ocean is powerful; promising peerless freedom and an unmatched sense of adventure.
So, as 10 lucky rangatahi got ready to answer on an epic voyage aboard a traditional sailing ship, the sense of excitement was palpable.
Blue skies and a calm sea beckoned as they climbed aboard and began, quite literally, learning the ropes.
It wasn’t long before they were casting off their mooring in Auckland Harbour and – with it – the cares of dry land.
Their home-away-from-home for the next five days was the Spirit of Adventure Te Waka Herenga Tangata o Aotearoa, a barquentine or three-masted tall ship in the traditional style of 17th century European vessels.
From hoisting lines and learning old-time sailing skills, to playing team-building games and showcasing their manu, there was no shortage of fun and learning on deck and at their many moorings in the picturesque Hauraki Gulf.
Fourteen-year-old Rhyvah Blakeway said: “My favourite part of the trip was getting to go swimming. Learning how to do the sails was really fun too.”
The crew’s route took them past Rangitoto and Motutapu islands, with strategic stop-offs to stretch the legs and learn about the local nature and history of the area at Motuihe and Kawau islands, as well as the Tawharanui Peninsula.
The three-masted tall ship, docked in Auckland Harbour
Teacher Eru Taane from Te Wharekura o Ngāti Maniapoto said: “The five-day voyage provided our tauira (students) with opportunities they wouldn’t normally have access to. They got the chance to challenge themselves in a safe and supportive environment. As a result, each tauira grew in confidence, resilience and self-belief.”
The adventure was part of the Kura Waitī Ki Kura Waitā programme, developed by Te Toki Voyaging Trust and funded by Waikato Regional Council.
Waikato Regional Council Kaihapai Hotaka Mātauranga Arna Solomon-Banks said: “Kura Waitī Ki Kura Waitā is a progressive learning programme that takes rangatahi from the awa to the moana.
“It’s about giving our young people the skills, knowledge and confidence to unlock exciting and rewarding career opportunities and empowering the next generation of kaitiaki.
“The Spirit of Adventure voyage follows a traditional waka hourua voyage at Kāwhia last year that focused on Māori open ocean voyaging, utilising traditional methods of navigation. So, it provided a unique opportunity for rangatahi to compare the proud nautical heritage, sailing techniques and environmental knowledge of two cultures.
“Special thanks to our valued iwi partners and co-funders – Waikato River Authority, Trust Waikato and WEL Energy Network – for their ongoing support and for helping to make this kaupapa possible.
“Thanks also to Spirit of Adventure CEO Bruce Pilbrow who took time out to come especially to meet the kaiako, tumuaki, rangatahi, and their whānau, and to the amazing Spirit of Adventure crew who warmly welcomed the rangatahi and took good care of them on their voyage.”
To ask for help or report a problem, contact us
Tell us how we can improve the information on this page. (optional)