BACKGROUND

The annual Te Taahuhutanga O Te Waka Tainui (Portage Crossing) Harbour to Harbour Regatta and Family Festival is a revival and celebration of the traditional Mana Whenua route used by Tainui Waka captained by Hoturoa; when they discovered and named the Manukau Harbour after the numerous birds and Mangere after the lazy winds. The approval to revive this ancient route was given by the late Rua Cooper, Kaumatua of the Tainui Iwi, through the late Rev Haki Graham, in the presence of James Papali’i and Mrs Rose Cooper at their residence on the Manukau Harbour at Whatapaka, Karaka late 1991. One of the founding and current trustees of Portage Crossing Waka Ama Club is Barry Tumai who is also of Tainui decent.

The first Portage Crossing was held in February 1992 and Rua Cooper sent Ngaio Tupaea to represent Tainui at the Powhiri which was held on Portage Road, Otahuhu. Rua Kupa also named a 1990 waka ama that Manukau Outriggers had just brought, he named that waka Parera. Cr Christianson represented Auckland City Council and Deputy Mayor Kuku Wawatai represented Manukau City Council. Manukau Outrigger Canoeing Club Kaumatua present at the first crossing was the late Tehere Moana, and matai the late Papali’i Poutoa Papali’i, the late Savaiinaea Pita Williams, the late Fuimaono Joanne Williams and Susie Williams. The first Portage Crossing started at Tamaki Rugby league club, on the Tamaki Estuary, with the support of the late Ace Cuthers and Louise Henderson, and Orakei Kaumatua Alec Hawk. The crossing finished on the shores of Mangere at the boat club on Kiwi Esplanade, with a taiaha challenge from Mr Gilles Herewini of Mangere.

There were four w6 waka that raced that day that started the revival of the ancient route we now call the Portage Crossing. The winner of the men’s section was the team from Otara, Mulivai captained by Pita Williams followed by Manukau open women captained by Phillina and steered by Vanessa Batistich. They paddled in the 1990 waka called Parera. The open men’s Manukau team with Barry Tumai and James Papali’i and a paddler from Okahu Bay, and the second open Mulivai team captained by Rudolf Berking, swamped after coming under the old Mangere Bridge. Both these teams were paddling in the Tahitian designed waka that had low gunnels and could not handle the rough conditions of that day.

The Manukau Harbour Forum brings together representatives from the nine local boards bordering the Manukau Harbour to work collaboratively on improving the health, wellbeing and future of the harbour and its communities.

The business meeting on 27 February will include a workshop for Forum members and a public forum session from 12 pm – 1 pm. Members of the public are invited to register to speak during this session by contacting the democracy advisor ahead of the meeting.

This meeting will be held at the Puketapapa Local Board Offices.

Just a friendly reminder that our AUT workshop is happening next Friday.

Thank you to those who have already confirmed whether they can attend. If you haven’t yet, please accept or decline the calendar invite sent a few weeks ago. This helps us make sure there’s enough food for everyone.

In preparation for the workshop, AUT has shared some information about themselves and what to expect on the day. Please see the attached documents.

Details:
• Date: Friday, 27 February, 10:00am – 2:00pm
• Location: Drury Community Hall - 10 Tui Street (10 Tui Street, Drury  Auckland  2113)

• Food & Drinks: Lunch and tea/coffee will be provided. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday.

Thanks,

Maddie White | Conservation Advisor (South)
Natural Environment Delivery | Environmental Services

Waea pukoro / Phone: 027 4174016

Auckland Council | Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau

Level 19, Auckland House, 135 Albert Street, Auckland