Waka coming up the river.....

Waka taua (war canoes) are large canoes manned by up to 80 paddlers and are up to 40 metres in length. Large waka, which are usually elaborately carved and decorated, consist of a main hull formed from a single hollowed-out log, along with a carved upright head and tailboard. The gunwale is raised in some by a continuous plank which gives increased freeboard and prevents distortion of the main hull components when used in a rough seas. The resurgence of Māori culture has seen an increase in the numbers of waka taua built, generally on behalf of a tribal group, for use on ceremonial occasions. Traditionally the war canoe was highly tapu. No cooked food was allowed in the craft and the waka had to be entered over the gunwales,not the bow or stern which were highly decorated with powerful symbols. Canoes were often painted with black or white with black representing death. The main colour was red which stood for tapu .
Today is Waitangi Day in NZ- our natonal day.Some friends and I went over to Okain's Bay(on Banks Peninsula), for the local Maori celebrations. This is a Waka reenacting a tribe coming up the river... Today they came in peace!!!! It was a wonderful time.