By Dean Morris

The 32 waves on the outer border of this design represent Whare and the full horizon is divided into 32 different whare (houses). 

Their location depends on where the sun, moon and stars set and rise. Navigators followed stars such as Matariki to guide them across the Pacific.

Navigators knew the arcs of the sun and that stars cross the sky at different heights depending on the time of year. At night the rising and setting of the stars align the canoe in a direction of travel through the night, until the Earth’s own star, the sun, rises. The sun is used at dawn and dusk. Navigators also used the direction of large ocean swells to guide them. This abstract star compass helped navigators to memorise more than 200 stars.

Today sees a revival of traditional navigation skills. Crews have sailed double-hulled waka from as far as Rarotonga to Aotearoa New Zealand, guided only by traditional techniques.

HISTORY

Gulf Harbour Marina has over 1,000 berths accommodating vessels up to 55 metres. With the area being a major hub for boating, offering marine services, including repairs, maintenance, and boat storage.