A Maori war canoe being paddled at full speed makes an awesome sight.  Thanks to the renaissance in canoe building and the immense knowledge gained from carvers like Hec Busby, more and more New Zealanders now have the chance to see the majesty of the traditional waka taua.  But few modern spectators know the history of these craft, or how they were traditionally built, or what the various parts of the canoe signify.

Waka Taua gives a concise introduction to the Maori war canoe.  Key areas covered by the book include the renaissance of waka taua, types and variants of the canoe, phases of building, parts of the waka, responsibilities of the crew, and paddling the craft.  

The book is very well illustrated with fabulous old black-and-white photographs, as well as excellent illustrations.  It is absolutely fascinating to read.  A great gift for anyone interested in the history of canoes, Maori history, Maori culture, and the art of carving.