8 Mar 2025

Waka 'most important' find of all time in New Zealand

From Saturday Morning, 7:49 am on 8 March 2025
Pieces of an ancient waka recovered on Rēkohu Chatham Islands

Pieces of an ancient waka recovered on Rēkohu Chatham Islands Photo: Supplied by Maui Solomon

A waka discovered on Rēkohu / Chatham Islands has been described by one expert as the most important discovery in New Zealand, possibly Polynesian archeology.

Among the 450 pieces recovered, are some braided fibre lashed to timber and other textiles - which are incredibly rare.

RNZ first spoke to Maui Solomon in February but we have him back for an update - Maui is (Moriori, Ngāi Tahu) a well-known Indigenous rights activist, mediator and treaty settlement negotiator, as well as chairman of the Moriori Imi Settlement Trust.

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