Construction of the outdoor star compass for the “Akairo Tuku Kaveinga Māori” project in Aitutaki, spearheaded by Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation, is expected to begin in January.

This project, funded by the New Zealand High Commission (NZHC) fund centred on the “Turanga Memeitaki” (wellbeing for all) theme, represents phase one of Te Puna Marama’s vision to establish a base and voyaging training centre on Aitutaki.

Cecile Marten, a Te Puna Marama Trust member, expressed her delight at being a successful recipient of the NZHC fund.

Te Akairo Tuku Kaveinga Māori project comprises two components: the first is the carving of a whetu marama or star compass on Vaka Paikea to be used in their Te Moana Nui o Kiva teachings, and the second is the creation of the star compass on the island.

Work on the project to be overseen by master navigator Peia Patai, the captain of Paikea, is expected to start in January, 2024, and be completed in May.

Marten said the star compass will be modelled on the design of late Sir Hekenukumai “Hector” Busby, the New Zealand Māori navigator and traditional waka builder.

She added that building the star compass in Aitutaki “made sense”, as this land was inherited by Patai, the founder of Te Puna Marama Trust, through his mother’s lineage.

“There was no available land here in Rarotonga, and Mauke was not suitable due to no safe berthage for Paikea.”

Marten further noted the significance of the Aitutaki land, as it is the site of an incomplete Marae Poaki O Rae (Rae’s Rocks). Rae, a chief, had begun to build a school there.

Patai’s vision is to complete the school started by his ancestor Rae and establish a learning centre for traditional navigation under Te Puna Marama.

The added benefit of Aitutaki is the lagoon and its available berth for safe harbour operations.

Vaka Paikea currently lacks a permanent berth. When not in operation, it is moored off Motu Tapu in Avana, Rarotonga. Unfavourable weather can wash out the passage, preventing the vaka’s departure or entry.

Subject to funding, phase two of Te Akairo Tuku Kaveinga Māori will involve the construction of a “marae” style building with an eco-friendly, self-sustaining commercial kitchen to accommodate their students.

“When the training centre is not being used, it will be available for community use and public use to provide funding for its care and upkeep,” said Marten.

Another goal for Te Puna Marama is to also start a plantation that can help to provide food for their learning centre and future voyages.  

“We are very grateful to the New Zealand High Commission, Rarotonga, Cook Islands for supporting this project, they also funded our first navigation workshop in April 2022,” said Marten.