Donation inspires the next generation of traditional "Wayfinders"
At the inaugural Superyacht Gathering Auckland Edition 2019, celebrating the diversity of the yachting lifestyle, Directors from Rivergate Marina & Shipyard were fortunate to meet inspiring cultural leaders and privileged to be able to contribute to their cause.
As Rivergate Director Tom Hill explains, “During the Gathering, Rivergate won a social media challenge, communicating on our channels about the program, the venues and speakers. The prize was a magnificent Crucible Fire Pit created by esteemed furniture craftsman, Ed Cruikshank.
“We were blown away by its beauty, practicality and sculptural form, and grateful to receive an item with such pedigree.
“Then we had the idea of giving our prize to one of the main speakers at the event, John Panoho, John is the Director of NZ Luxury Experiences, cultural experiences tailored to visiting superyachts, and founder of The Wayfinding Leadership workshops which encourage Maori and non-Maori to explore cultural customs and values.”
Artist, Ed Cruikshank said he is delighted that his Crucible Fire Pit will find a home at the Kupe Waka Centre, which is planned for a coastal site in Doubtless Bay that is the home of traditional navigation learning and waka (voyaging canoe) building.
“It fills me with joy knowing that people - particularly children - will gather around the firepit under the stars, learning lessons that will help to guide them across oceans and also through the challenges of their future lives,” said Ed.
“My work and designs themselves always aim to create situations where people can connect in a positive, constructive and ongoing way. I am particularly interested in the way we can forge links between generations through thoughtful design, excellent craftsmanship and quality materials, combined to endure in a meaningful way.
“Through Rivergate, my original decision to donate the Crucible has triggered a chain reaction that will positively influence many people’s lives for many years to come.”
The Crucible will be located outside the main wharenui (meetinghouse) and will be the centrepiece for “circle of fire” storytelling.
“We see it providing ambience and metaphor for many core values,” said John.
The Kupe Waka centre is the initiative of 86-year old Sir Hekenukumai “Hek” Busby who was inspired by the 1985 visit to Aotearoa (New Zealand) by a voyaging canoe, ‘Hokulea’ sailed from Hawai’i.
Hec, his wife, Ngahiraka (Hilda) Rangi Busby and a dedicated group have trained hundreds of people in traditional waka building and sailing, voyaging as far as Hawai‘i and Rapanui (Easter Island).
In 2017, Hokulea completed a 47,000 nautical mile, 26 country voyage, spurring Hek on to establish a centre for traditional skills.
Government funding, announced in February 2019, will now bring to life Hek’s vision. The Kupe Waka centre will preserve his knowledge and attract the next generation of wayfinders to this picturesque part of New Zealand.
The Centre will promote social and economic development tourism and events, waka building and Māori arts and crafts, education and training and environmental rehabilitation.
“Young people are able to attend training courses that delve into cultural identity, understanding values, familiarisation with waka, learning the ropes, confidence and seamanship, paddling waka, coastal sailing, blue water sailing.
“One of the most significant traditional practices is Wayfinding, which, today, has moved from an ancestral concept and practice to a modern-day means by which Māori and non-Māori alike can regain a sense of the importance of critical values of centuries past and the contributions such values and knowledge can make to social and environmental well-being today.”
Hek was recognised with a knighthood in 2018 for his work in reviving waka building and wayfinding knowledge among Maori people.
John is co-author of a book called “Wayfinding Leadership” that delves into the values that underpin the role of the Navigators and with his co-authors, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr and Chellie Spiller, delivers workshops and keynote speeches around the world.
He believes there is deep relevance to the teachings underpinning the wayfinding leadership of their Maori forebears with today’s leaders, from all walks of life.
“The ancient wayfinders went beyond the known on voyages of discovery to new horizons,” said John.
“Similarly, today’s wayfinder leaders in all walks of organisational life are called to venture into the unknown. A wayfinder leader is motivated by curiosity and is steeped in wonder. Wayfinder leaders look to develop everyone’s potential and have an abiding belief that ‘we are in the waka together’.
“We work with leaders, teams and trainers from many organisations; people who are transforming their workplaces using a wayfinding approach.”
The donated Crucible Fire Pit, the catalyst for this connection between Brisbane’s Rivergate Marina & Shipyard and the heirs of the Wayfinding tradition, will take pride of place as John Panoho and the leaders establishing the Kupe Waka Centre impart wisdom and skills to the next generation of wayfinders.
“We hope to attract Wayfinders from around the Pacific and around the globe. The Crucible will come into its own after an evening standing on the star compass and then having hot chocolate around the fire before bed.”
More at www.nzluxuryexperiences.com