Auckland to welcome fleet of waka

Auckland will once again welcome a fleet of waka to its harbour.

They'll be part of a new festival, unveiled at the Maritime Museum today, set to take place in January over Auckland anniversary weekend.

It will feature numerous waka, performances by contemporary Maori artists, kapa haka, inter-tribal waka races and will even offer members of the public a chance to try paddling a waka themselves.

Mayor Len Brown spoke of how the festival was part of its plans to make the city the "world's most liveable city".

He says Auckland will be known by its second name - Tamaki Herenga Waka - the gathering place of many canoes.

"This new festival gives us all a chance to learn about, celebrate and honour Tamaki Makaurau mana whenua and our unique Maori story."

Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (Ateed) general manager destination Vivien Bridgwater said it was a dream to make the festival really significant globally.

"[The dream is] that it will be on their bucket list."

Festival Mana Whenua Steering group chair Hauauru Rairi said it was a platform for working together to further the Maori identity and culture of Tamaki Makaurau.

"The festival is a reconnection and realignment with what was here before and realising that this is what Tamaki Makaurau still is - the place where people come and trade."

Auckland and the Waitemata have been a hub for trade since the 1300s.

The new festival is a joint project between Tamaki Makaurau mana whenua.

Inaugural Tamaki Herenga Waka festival

• Where: Queens Wharf and on the water
• When: Saturday, January 30 - Monday, February 1 2016
• Cost: Free entry