Moving welcome as Tira returns

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.

Up to 25 young people aged 16-17 have taken part in the year-long total immersion te reo Maori learning, part of succession planning for Whanganui iwi.

Te Aio Production producer Annie Keating, with director and editor Sasha Keating, and sound operator Matiu Heremia, have followed the Taimaru for a year filming the documentary for the Ministry of Education and were on the bank at Te Ao Hou to record the final journey.

"It is a really awesome project. These are the future leaders," Ms Keating said of the young people who spoke only te reo.