Master Far North waka builder and traditional navigator Hekenukumai Puhipi (Hector Busby) has been named the Northland Sailor of the Year for 2012.
The 80-year old sailor and community leader from Aurere (Doubtless Bay) was nominated for the annual Northland Regional Council award by the council, whose chairman, Craig Brown,said Mr Busby's passion for, and contribution to, waka culture both in New Zealand and around the Pacific embodied what the award was all about.
Over his long career Mr Busby has built at least 30 waka, including several waka hourua (double-hulled sailing craft). He has sailed more than 30,000 nautical miles around the Pacific in his ocean-going waka hourua Te Aurere, using only traditional navigational techniques.
Mr Busby recently achieved his dream of closing the final corner of the 'Polynesian triangle,' formed by Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island, with a 5000 nautical mile voyage to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) last year.
Mr Brown went on to say that alongside his sailing achievements, Mr Busby stood out as a community leader who had brought together youth, elders, communities, and even nations. His contributions to the community had been recognised with awards including the New Zealand Commemoration Medal (1990) and an MBE (1994).
Mr Busby said that Te Aurere and Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti were due to return to New Zealand to complete their 'Polynesian triangle' voyages shortly, and although he wouldn't be with them physically, he would be with them in spirit.
He was eagerly anticipating their return, but was also looking forward to opening a carving school at Doubtless Bay later this year. It would be available to anyone who was interested, including young people, whom he greatly enjoyed working with, and "getting them back on the right track."
