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Visit: Anaweka Waka

Another taonga viewed by the board in Mohua recently was the Anaweka waka. Discovered by local resident Tony Nicholls in 2011, the 6.2m section is believed to be part of a sophisticated and much larger sailing vessel.

Michelle Lavender

— 2 min read
Visit: Anaweka Waka
Another taonga viewed by the board in Mohua recently was the Anaweka waka. Discovered by local resident Tony Nicholls in 2011, the 6.2m section is believed to be part of a sophisticated and much larger sailing vessel. Made of NZ matai, there is a raised turtle motif, and the piece has been dated as approximately 700 years old.Archaeologist Dilys Johns is overseeing the preservation of the waka, which is currently stored in a purpose built bath filled with a glycol solution to assist with conservation of the cell structure of the wood. It is possible that over time the waka structure will be stabilised enough to remove it from the bath. The Board appreciates the ongoing support of Manawhenua ki Mohua and Fonterra with the preservation of this taonga.

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