Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
As Waitangi celebrations begin to pave way, haukāinga and manuhiri have arrived in numbers, soaking up the sun and embracing Te Ao Māori.
For many, the week of Waitangi is not just about getting ready for the commemorations; it's a chance to connect with whakapapa and honour their tūpuna, far from the politics and formalities that often dominate the kōrero.
Every year hundreds of kaihoe (paddlers) jump aboard their various waka, paddling in front of thousands.
Dejonte Reihana (middle), Yuta Tahere (left) and Daisley Amarupo (right), are among the many young kaihoe at this years Waitangi celebrations. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
Dejonte Reihana from Kawakawa is among the many rangatahi taking part with Te Korowai-Ngā Waka o Te Tai Tokerau, a collective of paddling groups from the Northland region, practising for the big day ahead on 6 February.
"We're just going for a hoe, practising for Waitangi, trying to get sharper with our actions," she said.
Alongside her mates and Kaikohe locals, Yuta Tahere and Daisley Amarupo, the rangatahi were out on the water on Tuesday, taking the time to connect with their ancestors and, most importantly, "have fun."
"It was hard work as it usually it, but you can feel your tūpuna come into you and give you the mana to push yourself," Reihana said.
Young kaihoe (paddlers)Hinekirangi Tipene-Boyd (left), alongside her mate Zakiya Edwardson. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
Newcomers, Hinekirangi Tipene-Boyd (Ngā Puhi, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui), paddling for the first time, and Zakiya Edwardson (Taranaki, Ngāti Maniapoto), paddling for the second time, said while it was "very wera (hot)," the vibe while on the waka was infectious.
"It's just nice to be part of this kaupapa," Edwardson said.
For the pair, this year's kaupapa of Waitangi - 'kotahitanga' (unity) and 'manaakitanga' (hospitality) - was felt strongly on the moana and gave them that extra push to keep going when it got tough.
Hundreds of rangatahi are set to take part in the waka celebrations at Te Tii beach on Waitangi day, February 6. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
"We've seen so much of it. Down the river we saw other kaihoe and lots of people together celebrating."
Tipene-Boyd agreed and said, "the vibe is just awesome."
"It's nice to see everyone together."
'Kia ū, go hard and give it a go'
Following a three-hour long paddle, all the rangatahi encouraged others to karawhiua, or "give it a go."
"Do it! Once you make friends it's fun, and you'll want to come back every year just to see them."
"Sometimes it gets hard but just kia ū (go hard). Just come out and try your best."
Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
On Waitangi Day, following the Dawn Karakia at Te Tou Rangatira (the land next to the Te Tii Marae), the flag raising ceremony, and the roll call of tūpuna who signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840, waka ceremonies will begin on Te Tii Beach at 9am, where thousands will gather to watch the kaihoe waka in action.
Until then, the rangatahi say they will keep on practising.
