On Sunday Norfolk Island's first Wa'a outrigger was christened and launched at Emily Bay. The venture to build the wa'a was begun by John Christian and Tihoti (George Barff). Local Jason Chubb built the vessel based on plans provided by our relations in Tahiti.
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| The wa'a Tefauroa and local Tahitian dancers |
The wa'a was named Tefauroa. This has great significance for Norfolk Island, because it is the Tahitian name for Point Venus, that place in Tahiti that was first sited by Bligh on HMS Bounty on 26 October 1788. This landing on Tahiti lead to the Mutiny on the Bounty, the settlement on Pitcairn Island of the mutineers and their Tahitian partners in 1790, and the eventual relocation of the Pitcairners to Norfolk Island in 1856.
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| Tefauroa prior to the launch celebrations |
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| Tihoti christening the wa'a with a 'conch shell' in the traditional Tahitian way |
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| Being entertained by local singers overlooking Emily Bay |
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| The wa'a at its first sea trial on Emily Bay |
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