The Waikato Community Trust (Inc)
, 2 London Street, PO Box 391, Hamilton 3240
Tel
07 838 2660,
Fax
07 838 2661,
Freephone
0800 436 628,
Email
Trust Waikato Art and Taonga Collection
The Trust inherited an intricately carved model waka taua (war canoe) called Te Putea from the Waikato
Savings Bank. It was originally presented by Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu in 1972 to the trustees
of the Bank, in appreciation of its donation towards construction of the full-sized waka Taheretikitiki.
Te Arikinui named the model waka ‘Te Putea’, in reference to the finely woven basket in which one's
prized possessions would be placed.
In traditional times, the waka crew was comprised firstly of paddlers who were the most important
people in the vessel. At the prow stood the kaihautu person, renowned for his skill and bravery as a
warrior in the spearhead of attack. At the stern was the tohunga navigator, mediator, sage and medium
between gods and man. In the middle stood the kaituki, who looked after the paddlers, saw that the
sails were unfurled at the right time and set the rhythm and timing for the paddlers.
Te Putea is currently on display in the Ngaa Pou Whenua exhibition at the Waikato Museum.
Model Waka – Te Putea 1972
