Napier's renowned Te Matau a Māui waka set for upgrades

The impressive vessel will undergo maintenance work and upgrades. The masts have already been removed. Photo / Paul Taylor

Napier's renowned Te Matau a Māui waka is set to be out of action for up to a month for some upgrades and maintenance work.

The waka, which is based at Ahuriri, is owned by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc and was launched in 2009.

Since its launch it has sailed over 80,000 nautical miles which is the equivalent of going around the world more than three times.

When not voyaging throughout the Pacific, it is used to deliver educational experiences for youth, schools and community groups.

Ātea Trust chair and navigator of the waka Piripi Smith said it would be taken out of the water on Wednesday for three to four weeks, for routine inspection and some upgrades.

He said this happened every two years to meet Maritime NZ safety standards.

Te Matau a Māui in Napier harbour in the past. Photo / NZME

"We are getting a new paint job and also recently received funding for state-of-the-art solar panels and batteries."

He said the new solar panels would replace the old ones currently on the waka.

The masts, which have already been removed, will also receive some maintenance work and the hull will undergo inspection.

He said when they return to the water the waka will be straight back into action, with open days being organised for rangatahi.

He said a big thank you to Napier Port for its help in moving the waka, and also Napier Sailing Club for providing its maintenance yard for the work.

The waka can carry crews as big as 25 to 30 people and it has travelled as far as Hawaii in the past.

There are plans for Te Matau a Māui to be given a new home when Ahuriri's waterfront is upgraded in the future.