Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation is close to completing its Level 2 Teretereanga Vaka programme in Mitiaro, with nine eager participants taking part in the traditional and modern sailing theory course earlier this month.

A charitable trust committed to preserving and sharing Pacific navigation knowledge, the Foundation focuses on educating future navigators in both traditional and contemporary methods – charting their course through stars, tides, charts and maritime regulations.

The Level 2 programme builds on the foundation laid in Level 1 and includes a comprehensive 150-page booklet covering modern and navigation theory.

Master navigator Peia Patai, who serves as the course tutor and captain of Vaka Paikea, praised the Mitiaro students for their dedication and competence.

“These students have already completed Level 1 and are really capable,” Patai said. “They just need more time out on the ocean to practice what they’ve learned.”

Unfortunately, poor weather conditions cut the programme short, forcing the team to return to Rarotonga earlier than expected.

However, they plan to return to Mitiaro in July on Vaka Paikea to complete the theory and practical sessions, which include traditional navigation techniques at sea.

The Mitiaro participants are keen to put their skills to the test using traditional methods of wayfinding.

This will coincide with the navigation training sail supported by the Australian High Commission.

Patai said the next voyage is expected to align with the anticipated visit of the Hawaiian voyaging canoes, Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia, in their 2025-2028 Moananuiākea Voyage, which includes a visit to the Cook Islands, with travel dates projected between late July and mid-August.

Due to strong interest, the Foundation expanded the programme to both Aitutaki and Mitiaro, supported by funding from UNESCO and Te Maraurau O Te Pae Apii, the Cook Islands Ministry of Education.

“In the meantime,” said Patai, “we encourage the students to keep studying the theory and practicing their new skills.”

Patai expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown in Mitiaro.

“The mamas on the island, the mayor Tati Tutaka, the Island Council, and the people of Nukuroa – meitaki maata.”

The nine Level 2 participants in Mitiaro are: Roimata Rouru, Tuaine Ngametua, Akavi Raeputa, Julian Aupini, Tokai Ngaoire, Rua Unuia, Tony Tapuni, Peter Tereva and Jason Murare.

Te Teretereanga Vaka programme participants by Island: Rarotonga - Peia Patai (tutor), Zeb Revake, Oliver Olders, Steve Daniels; Mauke - Ian Tairea, Daryl Ngaoire, Tama Tuakanangaro, Moana Rakei; Mangaia - Tereapii Ivaiti, Aaron Harry; Aitutaki - Vavia Puapii, Tom Taka.