The Cook Islands' flagship vaka has become the first recipient of funding from a new US-based nonprofit dedicated to indigenous rights.
Fire destroyed the starboard hull of Te Marumaru Atua in September last year and the Cook Island Voyaging Society was appealing for funding.
The society's secretary, Cecile Marten, says the organisation Nia Tero confirmed it would send $NZ135,000 for the traditional ocean voyaging canoe.
This is on top of the more than $NZ250,000 granted by the Cook Islands government in February.
Ms Marten told Mackenzie Smith the support will help the vaka get back on the water next year.
Te Marumaru Atua. Photo: Teinesavaii
