Vaka Paikea has stopped over in Suwarrow for two nights before making its return to Rarotonga after a significant voyage from Samoa.

Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation trustee member Cecile Martin said they would like to thank National Environment Services (NES) and border agencies for facilitating the stop-over in Suwarrow, to give the crew a much needed rest before continuing on home.

Crew member Tuaine “Katu” Teiti has spent time on Suwarrow as one of the caretakers, and captain Patai’s last visit to the island was in June 2022 for the Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) rat eradication programme.

The double hulled voyaging canoe, embarked on its ambitious 800 nautical mile traditional voyage to Samoa on May 22, arriving to Apia after eight days at sea on June 1.

Vaka Paikea was chartered for six weeks by the Aiga Folau o Samoa, Samoa Voyaging Society to deliver the ‘Guardians 2023 project’, an experiential educational outreach for 10 to 12-year-old school kids in Asaga, Faasaleleaga from June 12 to 16.

One hundred and twenty students from Faga, Sa'asa'ai, Saipipi, Lano, Asaga and Pu'apu'a Primary Schools participated in the programme, as well as an additional 102 students from Vailoa, Vaitoomuli, Faala and Satupaitea Primary Schools at Vaitoomuli, Palauli from June 26 to 30.

Paikea departed Apia, Samoa on July 7 with a crew of nine: Captain Peia Patai, Zeb Revake, Steven Daniels, Tariu Tairea, Tuaine “Katu” Teiti, Manu Johnston - Kanehunamoku Voyaging Academy, Samoa Voyaging Society - Lyvia Hansell-Black. Kalolo Steffany and Mao Lavatai.

Te Puna Marama’s vaka Paikea crew would like to thank and acknowledge their families, Samoa Voyaging Society, Te Toki Voyaging Trust - Waka Hourua, Kanehunamoku Voyaging Academy, Captain Greg Gallop and Sam Totten, Seine Toma-Hogarth, Transam Samoa, SVS Aiga Folau o Samoa President, Memea Lyvia Seiuli Black, Apia Yacht Club Aiga for your support - Fa'afetai Commodore Seiuli Ian Black, AYC Executive Officer, His Excellency Keisuke Senta, Apia Marina Management Alex Brunt, Trevor Meredith, SIGFA Clubhouse, President Vaughn Simpson and Executives, Salelologa village council, Hon. Matamua Vasati Saunoa Pulufana, Alii ma faipule o Salelologa,  Lusia's Lagoon Chalet Management and staff.