After excavation work at the Hutt River in 2006, a partially completed waka hull was discovered. The hull is believed to be pre-European and has been placed in a solution to remove the water from the hull for long-term preservation.

The Ministry of Culture and Heritage is working with Te Ātiawa iwi through the Wellington Tenths Trust. Te Ātiawa kaumātua Sam Jackson was joined by Ministry of Culture and Heritage staff and Te Puni Kōkiri staff for karakia before moving the waka hull to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage.