A centuries-old Polynesian waka buried beneath coastal dunes on Rēkohu Chatham Islands remains at severe risk of washing out to sea, with excavation plans delayed until late 2027 by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Excavation Timeline Delayed to Late 2027 Amid Erosion Threats
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage plans to resume full excavation of the buried waka in late 2027, according to 1News. The recovery process is projected to take three to four years once underway. Until then, the ministry is prioritizing site assessments to determine the exact extent of material still trapped within the coastal dunes.
Local residents and landowners warn that nature will not wait for bureaucratic timelines. Vincent Dix, whose land adjoins the Department of Conservation beach where the waka rests, told 1News that pieces of the vessel wash ashore regularly after heavy rain. Despite sandbags shoring up the dune edges, Dix noted that rough weather from the north consistently pulls portions of the artifact into the ocean.
Funding Disagreements and Court Disputes Slow Recovery Efforts
Government funding remains a central bottleneck for the project. Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith told 1News that the Government has invested $1 million into the site so far, but estimated the total full-scale excavation cost at roughly $3.5 million. Goldsmith stated that any additional funding allocations must wait until the next budget cycle once detailed cost estimates are finalized.
Meanwhile, Moriori elder Maui Solomon criticized the Crown’s response as shameful, telling 1News that the Government is “sitting on its hands” while a priceless cultural treasure faces imminent destruction from coastal erosion. Solomon added that competing ownership claims before the Māori Land Court have jammed the recovery process in a legal quagmire, noting that Moriori would be prepared to fund the excavation independently if granted interim ownership.
Did you know? More than 850 pieces of the waka were recovered during a brief initial excavation in August 2024 after local resident Nikau Dix spotted a carved figurehead emerging from an eroding creek bank, before the site was reburied for protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Polynesian waka discovered on Rēkohu Chatham Islands?
The waka was uncovered in August 2024 when local resident Nikau Dix noticed a carved figurehead and other artifacts emerging from an eroding creek bank.
When will the full excavation of the waka begin?
According to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, full excavation is planned to resume in late 2027 and will take an estimated three to four years to complete.
How much is the excavation expected to cost?
Current estimates place the total cost of unearthing the vessel at approximately $3.5 million, with the Government having committed $1 million to date.
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