Le Ta Va'a

About

Talofa, Malo ni, Kia ora, Kia orana, Aloha, Bula Vinaka, welcome to Le Ta Va'a canoe builiding and sailing programme in Porirua, Wellington, Aotearoa. I'm John Misky and I build and sail va'a (Pacific canoe).

This programme recognises Ocean and Pacific knowledge systems as valued education systems.

This programme is also committed to raising awareness on the impacts of climate change on Pacific islands to advocate for change and protect our island homes.

Va'a Specifications

• 10m Soatau coastal sailing canoe
• Made of Yellow Cedar, Willow, Maire & Fiberglass
• Weighs 400kgs
• Mast 7m
• Can carry 5 - 8 adults

With a background in joinery and carpentry and following an epic 3 year journey around the world aboard Polynesian double hull canoe, John had a desire to share Polynesian sailing knowledge with his community.

This first va’a was built by John between 2017 - 2021. The va’a was a promise made to his Grandma to raise funds for the Tokelaun Bible translation project and a dream to grow Polynesian sailing activity in his community of Porirua.

Over four years mostly after work and on the weekends, John and a small team of supporters built the va'a in a canoe shed at his home based on John's research and consultations with Pacific elders and knowledge holders.

The va'a build will be water tested in 2021 with the launch in 2022.