Part one of two from this full length documentary.
Part two of two from this full length documentary.
The credits for this documentary.
This National Film Unit documentary records the 18-month-long building process of a waka taua (war canoe): from the felling of the trees — opening with an awe-inspiring shot of the giant totara selected by master carver Piri Poutapu — to the ceremonial launch. The waka was commissioned by Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, and built at Tūrangawaewae Marae. The Harry Dansey-narrated film was significant in showing the importance of the canoe-building kaupapa alongside the everyday lives of the workers (at the freezing works, the pub).
To learn is to respect, to participate in a heritage. So let us take this canoe as a symbol of collective spirit.– Narrator Harry Dansey
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