This item is part of the Tauranga Libraries Norman Blackie Collection. Norman Blackie (1899-1993) was a keen amateur filmmaker who captured civic events around Tauranga using a modified Keystone Model A7 16mm camera.
This actuality shows the creation and launch of an Māori carved waka in Tauranga in 1972.
Scenes include: a public ceremony and gathering of ships attended by Navy officials in Tauranga harbour; Topdressing activities at Pukehina; Tony Tukaokao [Ngāi Tamarawaho, Ngāti Haungarau] carves the prow for canoe; Kapa haka performances; launching the waka; blessing by M. Pihana, scenes of the waka being paddled on the water.
Further footage shows military vessels in the harbour, including the USSNS Forrester, the HMS Telemachus submarine, the HMS Chatham and RNZN Rotoiti, as well as cadets and Navy officials, including Rear Admiral Beates.
Final scenes show the aerial topdressing plane 'Adastra Ltd’ at Pukehina.