Tāhere Tikitiki - The Making of a Māori Canoe

This National Film Unit documentary records the 18-month-long building process of a waka taua (war canoe): from the felling of the trees — opening with an awe-inspiring shot of the giant totara selected by master carver Piri Poutapu — to the ceremonial launch. The waka was commissioned by Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, and built at Tūrangawaewae Marae. The Harry Dansey-narrated film was significant in showing the importance of the canoe-building kaupapa alongside the everyday lives of the workers (at the freezing works, the pub).

To learn is to respect, to participate in a heritage. So let us take this canoe as a symbol of collective spirit.

– Narrator Harry Dansey

Key Cast & Crew

Harry Dansey

Narrator

David H Fowler

Producer

David Sims

Writer, Director, Editor

Val Federoff

Sound

Brian Cross

Camera

Bruce Dunn

Camera