My Space: Rangiiria Barclay-Kerr’s favourite work spot on board the waka Hinemoana.

Rangiiria Barclay-Kerr discusses her favourite work spot on board the waka Hinemoana

Describe the space: “Te kāpehu whetū (the star compass) is a tool used to help navigators understand and remember the path of the stars. It is at the back of the waka below the hoe (paddle or helm). It looks like your normal compass however, between each main direction are the names of the different houses that the stars rise and set in. It has been used since our ancestors first began voyaging. The purpose of the star compass is to help navigators to remember the path of stars. Stars rise in the eastern horizon and set in the western horizon, so a navigator who understands the path of the stars can use the horizon as a compass.” What inspires you about this space? “It evokes feelings of pride, connection, unity, mana, kaha, whakapapa. Amongst many other traditional modes of learning kaupapa Māori, the kāpehu whetū inspires me because it is a knowledge system that our ancestors used and that we still use today. It is a tool that I can use outside of the world of waka to guide myself, and to teach others about kaupapa Māori modes of learning. I chose this space on the waka because it holds so much knowledge and where it is positioned you are able to see each area of the canoe and beyond.” What is your role? “I am a kaumoana (voyager). As kaumoana we run the canoe under the instructions of the captain. Jobs include setting and controlling the sails, preparing the anchor and working the hoe among other tasks. I have been voyaging from a young age; my father (Hoturoa BarclayKerr) is heavily involved in traditional Polynesian voyaging, so we’ve been on canoes since we’ve been able to walk.” Why do you come to this space? “To reflect on the knowledge that has been passed down to me by my ancestors and to reconnect with them and become one with the ocean.”