The call from the home people to the Tira Hoe Waka whanau on their final journey was a moving welcome to bring them home to Te Ao Hou.
The waka arrived on Wednesday afternoon at the end of an 18-day journey along the Whanganui River that began on January 6 at Otoko Marae on the Parapara.
Kiritahi Takiari said they were ready at each marae to make sure the powhiri was done when the waka arrived.
The Tira experienced all seasons during its time on the river, and five days of rain soaked the travellers as they journeyed south.
On the Tira were students of the Taimaru Wananga, led by Turama Hawira and Katrina Hawira.