John Misky

Tokelau, Samoa

DATE: Friday 8 September, 1 pm-2 pm

Va’a Building - Keeping Alive the Voyages of Our Pacific Ancestors

John Misky is from Tokelau and Sāmoa. He was six years old when he  and his family left the islands of Tokelau for a new life in Aotearoa. Adapting to a new life and learning a new language in New Zealand brought its challenges. But his connection to the sea inspired him to pursue a life of building va’a to keep alive the voyages of our Pacific ancestors. 

John made a promise to his Grandma back in 2003 to build a va’a. Sadly, she passed away in 2005. He was determined to fulfil his promise. He tried in 2014 and again in 2016. He was about to give up when he went to see his Minister, the late Reverend Perema Leasi to bless the project. “He (the Minister) did so, which was fitting in that it made me realise that, as individuals, we can’t build things by ourselves in isolation,”. In December 2022 John launched Matalii Va’a fulfilling the promise to his Grandma.

Click HERE to download pdf version