Whetū Mārama - Bright Star documentary with introduction by Master Navigator Jack Thatcher

Through skillfully interwoven interviews, waka hourua voyaging, archival footage and creative dramatic reconstructions, Whetū Mārama – Bright Star is an engrossing documentary that explores the life and work of Sir Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Puhipi, aka Hek Busby. Directed by Toby Mills and Aileen O’Sullivan, this is an engrossing portrait of Hek's life and work exploring the incredible journeys Hek and his crews undertook across the Pacific and his willingness as a modern-pioneer waka builder and navigator, to pass on his knowledge to future generations.

The evening will be introduced by Master Celestial Navigator, Jack Thatcher (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Awa), Master Navigator to Hawaii, Rarotonga, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and other Pacific islands using only the stars as his map.

This event is presented by the Incubator Creative Hub and supported by Good Buzz Kombucha and the Tauranga Western BAy Community Events Fund.