Our Team
The A team at Aurere Waka and Navigation Tours, are a group of young, vibrant and passionate individuals. Each contribute significantly to this tour in addition to nurturing and preserving our cultural practices for future generations.
Hekenukumai Busby
Te Kapehu Whetu - Star Compass Facilitator
Highly respected Elder,
World renowned Waka builder,
Celestial Star Navigation Expert,
Master Carver
Chappy Harrison
Tour Guide, Waka Facilitator
Kaihautu (Captain) Senior Instructor, Facilitator
Vodafone World of Difference Recipient 2016
Represented New Zealand in the Queens Diamond Jubilee
and the Waka exchange with Netherlands Museum.
Billy Harrison
Carving Instructor
Traditional Carving Graduate, Senior Waka Crew Trainer,
Kaihautu (Captain) for international Te Waka Mokopuna.
Maki Harrison
Weaving Instructor
40 years of Raranga weaving, Rongoa or Maori Medicines ,
Weaver of Costumes for Kaihoe in the Waitangi Regatta.
Jolene Busby
Waka Instructor
Captain for the Women's Waka Autahi, Director of Kohatu Child Care,
15 years experience in Waka.
Oti Tarawa
Waka Instructor/Steerer
Matua Hoe (Senior Steerer)
with over 7 years experience in waka, Kaihoe and
Represented New Zealand
in the Queens Diamond Jubilee, London 2012
Pomana Taniwha
Senior Kaihoe/Facilitator/Instructor
Over 7 years of experience in Waka.
Represented New Zealand in the Queens Diamond Jubilee
and the Waka exchange with the Netherlands Museum
Hekenukumai Busby
Te Kapehu Whetu - Star Compass Facilitator
Highly respected Elder,
World renowned Waka builder,
Celestial Star Navigation Expert,
Master Carver
Chappy Harrison
Tour Guide, Waka Facilitator
Kaihautu (Captain) Senior Instructor, Facilitator
Vodafone World of Difference Recipient 2016
Represented New Zealand in the Queens Diamond Jubilee
and the Waka exchange with Netherlands Museum.
Billy Harrison
Carving Instructor
Traditional Carving Graduate, Senior Waka Crew Trainer,
Kaihautu (Captain) for international Te Waka Mokopuna.
Maki Harrison
Weaving Instructor
40 years of Raranga weaving, Rongoa or Maori Medicines ,
Weaver of Costumes for Kaihoe in the Waitangi Regatta.
Jolene Busby
Waka Instructor
Captain for the Women's Waka Autahi, Director of Kohatu Child Care,
15 years experience in Waka.
Oti Tarawa
Waka Instructor/Steerer
Matua Hoe (Senior Steerer)
with over 7 years experience in waka, Kaihoe and
Represented New Zealand
in the Queens Diamond Jubilee, London 2012
Pomana Taniwha
Senior Kaihoe/Facilitator/Instructor
Over 7 years of experience in Waka.
Represented New Zealand in the Queens Diamond Jubilee
and the Waka exchange with the Netherlands Museum