Before GPS, before Cook and before the compass: 2000 years ago Polynesian navigators set off on a journey that saw them explore and settle nearly a third of the surface of the planet.

This year master navigator Hekenukumaingaiwi “Hector” Busby (Te Rarawa, Ngäti Kahu) will be at the helm of a 24-member, multiple waka fleet as it journeys from Auckland to Rapanui (Easter Island). Like their tūpuna, Hector’s crew will use advanced celestial science – the stars, moon, sun, ocean currents, birds and marine life – to guide them. The voyage has been planned for more than twenty years and is the first of its kind in modern history. Not surprisingly the impressive journey is attracting world-wide scientific and media attention.

An internationally respected expert on ancient waka traditions, Hector - who turns 80 this year - built the two waka hourua (double hulled canoe) that will take part in the expedition. The main waka, Te Aurere, was built in the early nineties and since then has sailed throughout the Pacific. The latest journey will complete the last corner of the Polynesian Triangle, with Hawaii in the north, Aotearoa in the south and Rapanui in the east.

Te Puni Kōkiri provided support for He Waka Tapu and its monumental journey, and Deputy Chief Executive Herewini Te Koha paid tribute to Hector’s expert and profound knowledge that has made him a leading figure in the worldwide revival of traditional Polynesian and ocean voyaging using wayfinding techniques.

“World-wide his skill, knowledge and experience of navigating via stars, the flight path of birds, migration patterns of whales, tidal movements and environmental indications is second to none. To support this endeavour and the passing on of his skills and experience is invaluable,” said Mr Te Koha.

You can track this significant expedition online at www.wakatapu.com.