This partnership is symbolized by tangible symbols like Te Hono ki Aotearoa, the only waka taua residing in the Northern Hemisphere. Te Hono was gifted to the Wereldmuseum Leiden by Toi Māori Aotearoa in 2015 and has been part of the 2017 centennial of the battle of Passchendaele in Belgium and the 2022 Platinum Jubilee in the United Kingdom. Besides representing te Ao Māori throughout Europe, the relationship that has grown from the waka has led to Matariki celebrations in Leiden and Dutch paddlers joining the waka pageant at Waitangi every year since.  

Robert Gabel—founding member of Ngā Waka Federation and representative of Toi Māori Aotearoa—spoke about the waka’s significance at a dinner reception last week. The night was hosted by ambassador Ard van der Vorst for Hon. Tama Potaka, minister for Māori Development, as well as a number of Māori businesspeople and artists. It was a chance for the ambassador to thank those who promote Dutch-Māori connections, and to reflect on the successful relationships that have developed, despite the oceans between our lands.

The night’s discussions focused on both reflection and looking forward, especially in terms of business and trade. Theresa and Andrea Rongonui—Dutch Māori trailblazers in marketing and advertising—spoke of the strengths of their bicultural background for commercial success. Later, Hon. Potaka and Hone McGregor—leader in guiding Māori export and trade—emphasized the growth of the Māori economy in recent years and the strength of iwi-backed businesses, where financial success is reinvested in the community. The focus of conversation was on how we can support each other to maintain this trajectory, through innovation and collaboration in fields such as sustainable energy production, climate protection, and disability rehabilitation.

The evening promised a strong relationship between two communities moving forwards together, through both commercial and cultural collaboration that continues to flourish.  

Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

With my basket and your basket, the people will always thrive.