The waka Ngatokimatawhorua will be the star of a regatta on Wednesday to commemorate the signing the Treaty of Waitangi by Hokianga chiefs.
Tears of joy were shed at at Waitangi at the weekend when the waka was back in the water for the first time since 1948. Ngatokimatawhorua was built in the Hokianga 70 years ago.
On Monday, it was taken to Hokianga harbour for next weekend's commemoration of the Treaty signing at Mangungu by 64 chiefs.
The waka taua has spent most of its life grounded at Otaua marae, inland.
Event co-ordinator Mita Harris told Waatea News on Monday the powhiri was greatly moving.
He said it was a great sight last weekend to see Ngatokimatawhaorua alongside the Waitangi-based waka of the same name.
