A select group of kaihoe (paddlers) is to be chosen to deliver a new ceremonial waka to its home in The Netherlands.
The 14-metre kauri waka, the 32nd built by tohunga Hekenukumai Busby, will be launched on Saturday at Aurere in the Far North.
It will then go on permanent loan to a museum in the Netherlands.
Toi Maori operations manager Tamahou Temara says Aotearoa Nga Waka Federation chair Robert Gabel, will be casting a critical eye over the paddlers, who will go to the Netherlands.
Waatea News reports the launch will feature the premiere of a special haka composed by a waka historian Tepene Mamaku.
