Waka Warriors

Over six weeks three unsuspecting newbies, Austin Bosch (21), Keanu Townsend (22), and Rickylee Russell-Waipuka (20) will join the crew of Haunui waka as they circumnavigate the North Island of New Zealand. At the end of the trip one of the three will win a place to sail to the Cook Islands.

The Haunui waka sails down to whanganui where Austin reconnects with his Māori culture; Rickylee gets up close and personnel with eels and Keanu tends to his injuries in the healing awa.

This week, Rickylee unleashes her warrior side, Austin explores the traditional ways of sharing stories and Keanu plants a tree in memory of friends that have passed away.

We head to Napier through the treacherous waters of the Cook Strait. Our rangatahi are tested in dangerous sailing conditions. Haunui waka gets a surprise visitor and someone makes a bad mistake.

Haunui waka sails from Napier to Omaio Bay in Eastern Bay of Plenty. Kaumatua Danny Poihipi shares his vast knowledge with the rangatahi and they visit one of the landing places of Tainui waka.

It’s time to try some old style cooking skills from ancient waka days. The crew are in for a shock as they sail to Tauranga, and when they land, Keanu realises it’s time to let go of a lot of grief.

This week on Waka Warriors Ricky, Austin and Keanu have their final chance to impress the crew. When Haunui lands in Auckland it’s decision time. Which one will be going to the Cook Islands?

This week, the Haunui crew have a tough decision to make. They’re looking back on the last six weeks and deciding which of the three is going with them to the Cook Islands.

This week on Waka Warriors Haunui leaves Auckland for one of the toughest sails a voyager can make - the 1700 mile journey to the Cook Islands. Our winner is put to the final test to see if he has the guts and determination to become an ocean voyager.