waka

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


Maori word for canoe. Wakahuia is a box for keeping feathers, originally thefeathers of the huia (q.v.).

1874. W. M. Baynes, `Narrative of Edward Crewe,' p. 81:

«`Whaka' is the native name, or rather the native genetic term,for all canoes, of which there are many different kinds, astete, pekatu, kopapa, and others answering in variety to ourseveral descriptions of boats, as a `gig,' a `whaleboat,' a`skiff,' a `dingy,' etc.»

1878. R. C. Barstow, `On the Maori Canoe,' `Transactionsof the New Zealand Institute,' vol. xi. art. iv. p. 72:

«Canoes may be divided into four classes; Waka-tauaor Waka-hitau were canoes, fully carved; the Waka-tetee, which, generally smaller, had a plainfigure-head and stern; Waka-tiwai, an ordinary canoeof one piece, and the kopapa or small canoe, usuallyused for fishing, travelling to cultivation, etc.»