A Māori waka (canoe) manoeuvres in crowded waters on Waitematā Harbour on the second day of Auckland and New Zealand's jubilee (50th anniversary) celebrations. On the first day of the commemoration the traditional yachting races of the Auckland regatta were held. The next day was intended to be for special Māori events, and it was planned to hold waka races. But, as can be seen here, it was at first impossible to clear a course because there were so many other vessels at sea. Eventually, in the afternoon, a course was prepared, but there was still some confusion and the four waka split into two separate races on different courses. Even then things did not work out well, with two waka almost mowed down by a steamer. Similar problems occurred at the racecourse, where the plans for a Māori dance were disrupted by spectators not clearing the grounds. However, a Māori procession went off successfully, despite being an hour later than originally planned.
Using this item
Auckland Council Libraries − Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau, Sir George Grey Special Collections
Reference: 7-A7721
by Josiah Martin
Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.