A Rare Discovery of Moriori Heritage

In a remarkable twist of fate, a family on Chatham Island, New Zealand, stumbled upon the fragmented remains of a traditional Moriori canoe, known as a waka. The discovery, made while walking near a sand dune, reveals a crucial piece of New Zealand’s cultural history. The canoe fragments found are believed to date back centuries, offering a rare glimpse into the ancient ways of the Moriori people.

The Moriori and Their Waka Canoes

The waka is a vital part of Moriori heritage. Historically, these canoes were used for a variety of purposes, including fishing, transportation, and even warfare. The Moriori, the indigenous people of the Chatham Islands, relied on these wooden vessels to navigate the surrounding seas and sustain their way of life. The newly discovered fragments are a direct link to this rich cultural history, providing significant insights into the lives of the Moriori people.

The Accidental Discovery

The waka was found by a local family while they were walking along the sand dunes on Chatham Island, a remote part of New Zealand’s archipelago, located approximately 500 miles southeast of Wellington. As the family walked, they noticed pieces of wood protruding from the sand, which turned out to be parts of the historic canoe.

Upon realizing the significance of the find, the family immediately alerted local authorities, including the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. The ministry expressed its gratitude to the family for their quick actions, ensuring that the exposed pieces were carefully preserved and secured.

Glenis Philip-Barbara, Deputy Secretary for Māori Crown Partnerships at Manatū Taonga, praised the family for their responsibility in caring for the exposed canoe fragments. “We are very grateful to the local family for informing us of the find and caring for the exposed waka,” she said, emphasizing the importance of the discovery.

The Ongoing Recovery Process

Since the discovery, the ministry has partnered with archaeologists, conservators, and local landowners to safely extract the waka fragments from the dunes. With the fragile nature of the wood and the vulnerable state of the pieces, experts are working quickly to prevent further degradation from the elements.

Heritage New Zealand spokesperson Dean Whiting noted the urgency of preserving the pieces due to their vulnerability. “With the vulnerability of the waka to the elements, time is of the essence,” he explained, assuring the public of the commitment to the careful investigation and recovery of the fragments.

Previous Discoveries and Cultural Significance

While the Chatham Island discovery is significant, it is not the first of its kind in New Zealand. In 2023, another more intact waka was uncovered, possibly hidden intentionally by the Moriori in the 19th century. However, the fragmented remains found recently on Chatham Island remain a rare and important artifact, shedding light on the Moriori’s maritime culture.

This find offers a deeper understanding of the indigenous peoples of New Zealand, as well as the ongoing importance of preserving cultural heritage. The ongoing recovery and study of the waka will provide valuable insights into the technological and cultural practices of the Moriori people, offering an essential connection to New Zealand’s ancient past.