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Two double-hulled canoes
will sail across the Pacific this week
using traditional navigation techniques.
Three women will be on board the waka, Ngahiraka.
Raiha Johns caught up with them.
It's widely assumed that only men sail on waka hourua.
'Yeah right,' say the women of Ngahiraka.
Traditionally, women were sailors, navigators and waka builders.
These women say their role
is equally as challenging as it is for the men on board.
They will be at sea for over six weeks,
but these sailors have means to alleviate the worry
of having their menstrual cycle disrupt the journey.
Women play an important role and bring a certain air to the canoe.
The embodiment of Wairaka and the sailors of Tinirau.
Raiha Johns, Te Karere.