10PFS Had the Opportunity to Visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum

10Pacific studies trip to the New Zealand Maritime Museum. 

On 17th September 2026, 10PFS had the opportunity to visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa, and it was an amazing experience. It was a great opportunity to learn more about our Pacific culture, our ancestors, and the incredible ways they travelled across the Pacific. The trip was not only educational, but also exciting and enjoyable because we were able to experience things that we normally would only learn about in a classroom.  

One of the highlights of the trip was getting the chance to go on a waka. Being able to actually step onto a waka and explore it made everything we had been learning about feel much more real. We were able to learn about the history and background of the waka and understand how important these vessels were to our ancestors and Pacific communities. We also got to explore different parts of the waka and learn about what each part was used for and what it meant. It was amazing to see how much knowledge and thought went into building these waka. 

Another part of the experience that stood out amongst most of us was learning about how our ancestors navigated across the Pacific. Today, we have GPS, maps, phones, compasses, and many other modern instruments that make travelling much easier. Our ancestors did not have any of these things. Instead, they relied on their knowledge of the natural world. They used the stars, the sun, the moon, ocean currents, winds, waves, birds, and other signs from nature to guide them across the huge distances of the ocean. Learning about this made us appreciate just how knowledgeable, skilled, and connected our ancestors were to the environment around them.  

The people at the museum were also incredibly kind and welcoming. They made the experience enjoyable by sharing their knowledge with us and allowing us to ask questions and explore. Their kindness made the trip feel comfortable and made it easier for us to engage with what we were learning. Overall, our trip to Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa was an unforgettable experience. I really enjoyed being able to learn outside of the classroom and experience Pacific history and culture in a more hands-on way. Getting onto the waka and understanding how our ancestors navigated the Pacific gave us a greater appreciation for where we come from. 

Julieta Penitito 10RGR