A Comparative study of Waka Hourua Voyaging Oral Traditions and Contemporary Voices Throughout The Pacific

Kate Souness (Ngāi Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha, Ngā Puhi, Te Arawa), University of Canterbury

Utilising pūrākau as a method and methodology alongside Kaupapa Māori Theory and Mana Wahine theory, this work aims to examine traditional pūrākau inherent in waka hourua deep sea voyaging oral histories throughout the Pacific. The depth of knowledge will journey into the night sky and stories of stars, ancestors and meaning. Navigational knowledge from waiata, pūrākau, whakatau, karakia and kīwaha will inform part of the research. 

Contemporary knowledges based upon traditional teachings in navigation and observations of the natural environment will be explored. The idea of changing knowledge and developing societies in contemporary directions utilising various knowledge forms, traditional and contemporary will be discussed. 

Of particular interest is the role that women have within our voyaging stories and traditions and the role that women represent today in our voyaging resurgent movement throughout the Pacific. Who is telling the stories today in our contemporary world? Who is acknowledged? Who’s voices are heard? What role do women have today in waka hourua voyaging communities?