Centuries-old waka discovered on Chatham Islands coastline

Saturday 22 March 2025 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated Sat 22 Mar 2025, 8:20am

Locals have found the remains of an ocean-voyaging waka buried in sand dunes on the Chatham Islands. The discovery has prompted discussions regarding the vessel's origins and ownership, with Moriori oral traditions suggesting a wreck occurred in the area several hundred years ago.

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1. RNZSat 22 Mar 2025, 6:12am

   Excavating a historical waka, and the story that goes with it (opens in new tab)

   Also on Newsroom (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldSat 22 Mar 2025, 8:20am

   Historic waka find in Chatham Islands raises questions of heritage and ownership (opens in new tab)