About Us

Long before the main migration of Maori to Aotearoa (New Zealand) came Toi Kai Rakau, a great waka captain, telling the pacific people of this great land on his return to the islands.

Many years later came Paikea (the whale rider) made known around the World in recent times by a movie of the same name.

In later years came what was called the great migration of a fleet of waka from the islands. This fleet was escorted by the waka Taka Timu considered the most tapu (sacred) of waka, bringing the old gods of the pacific.

This waka was captained by Tamatea who became Tamatea Pokai Whenua after arriving in this land.

Having these people in my whakapapa (ancestry) it was a natural progression that, after boarding an outrigger in the 1980’s.

I developed an incredible passion for the tikanga waka (custom of the waka). This has led me to want to share and remind our manuhiri (visitors from afar) that nearly all cultures have derived from waka culture.

Thus developed the offerings of Black Waka and we look forward to greeting you to Waiheke island with open arms.

Tony Crewther. Guide.