The sea is important for many people in New Zealand. However, over the years the uses and traditions have changed significantly. This guide looks at transport, fishing and the recent increase of recreational activities.

The sea as transport

The culture of the waka is significant and important for Māori. Most Māori trace their origins to ancestors who migrated to Aotearoa in voyaging waka. Today, waka is still used in ceremonial and official functions as well as recreational uses such as sporting.

Māori developed a variety of waka for different uses. Some were used for transport. This included Waka Hourua

A waka hourua is a double hulled voyaging canoe rigged with sails and was a means of transporting, large groups of people and trade goods.

Waka Tete, Waka Tiwai or Waka Kopapa

These are smaller single hulled river canoes that range in size from a single seater to upward of twenty. These were used as a means of transport to the near trading ports such as Waipapa (now Mechanics Bay, Auckland) from Okahu and Orakei.

Other waka carried people to war, were used for fishing or ceremonies. Today, waka is still used in ceremonial and official functions and for recreation. Waka is considered to be an invaluable tool for reconnecting Māori to tradition. The waka is a means of identity and pride for many Māori.

Tikanga Māori

Traditional fishing was seen as a method of collecting kaimoana as well as a spiritual activity. Fish were valued as descendants of the God of the Sea, Tangaroa. Customs associated with fishing are important, examples are shown below:

  • The first fish taken is returned to the sea to ensure an abundant catch.
  • Fish are not gutted at sea as this attracts predators.
  • The maramataka divided the Māori year into twelve lunar months. It regulated the appropriate times to collect various types of seafood. A version of this calendar is used by recreational fishers to indicate the most favourable times for fishing.
  • Nets should not be dragged on the seabed to safeguard the fishing ground.
  • Containers should be lifted over shellfish beds - never dragged.
  • A rahui restricts access to an area and its resources. It may be imposed to protect natural resources or because of a recent death in the area. This Tapu can only be lifted by the kaumatua.

Conservation

Kaitiakitānga – guardianship is a traditional concept for Māori in maintaining ecological balance and clean seas.

  • Is this concept relevant to contemporary NZ?
  • Which other groups in your community have a role to play in ensuring clean seas?
  • What personal actions can you take to keep the seas clean?
  • Do you have a marine reserve close to you?

Recreation

Waka Ama/Waka Tere – outrigger canoe

  • A waka ama consists of a hull with one or more outrigger pontoons (ama) rigged out to the side for stability and lashed to the hull with cross beams (kiato). The hull has a sealed bow (ihu) bulkheads and stern (kei) bulkheads. Adding a mast, a sail and customised ama makes it a waka tere. Waka Ama is an increasingly popular sport in New Zealand.
  • Many of the participants in this activity are school aged. All crew need to be familiar with safety procedures. See

Other recreational uses include fishing from boats, off rocks as well as the land, sailing and the use of a huge range of water craft, diving and snorkelling, surfing and swimming in the sea.

Water safety and tides

(Seealso Teacher Guide ‘Key Water Safety Messages’)

Some boat ramps are available most of the time. In some areas such as the Manukau Harbour, craft activities can only be either side of high tide in a narrow 2 hour time span as the tide rushes in and out. Some of the boat ramps are high tide ramps only. The foreshore here is very large as the sea floor is practically flat. Staying out too long may strand your boat. Watch out for strong ebb currents in the channels.

Make sure you check the craft before you leave, tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

Go with someone else, take all that safety gear, wear a life jacket, check the weather and tides and if in doubt don’t go out.

Use the Maritime NZ Two Minute Form. (Italics - generic safety tips)

Safer swimming

It is safer if you can swim at a patrolled beach. However as very few are patrolled the following is important.

Take a buddy, tell someone where you are going and a return time. Wear appropriate swim gear, keep a point of reference at some place on the beach so you do not drift away from your gear. Actively supervise children. Watch the water before you enter, know the tide and if in doubt stay out.