Mike Kepa on guard. Later a guest on Te Aurere

The 20 metre double hulled waka Te Aurere was challenged off Waikanae Beach by the waka Te llkanui a Rauru and several outrigger canoes as hundreds of people lined the beach.

Pohowiri~Hector Busby (3rd from left helped build the waka from 2 kauri trees) with Mataatua and paddlers.

Kim Halbert - Pere and Karla Porou part of the colourful scene.

The Land Challenge. (L to R) Franklin Pahina, David Clarke, Matthew Peneha, Barney Te Kani and Maihi Nikora leader of the Te Ika Nui A Rauru Waka Group.

The Waka Challenge on the water drew the people from the shade to the waters edge to become a part of the ceremony.