07/06/2026
One year ago, we lost the Tui.
Over the past year there have been many conversations, questions, and a fair bit of uncertainty about what comes next. Losing the vessel was significant — not only as a ship, but as a space for learning, connection, exploration, and access to the moana for many people over the years.
Since then, TriOceans has continued in different forms: marine field courses, education programmes, research support, monitoring projects, and time spent out in the field across Te Tai Tokerau. Alongside that, we’ve also been reflecting on what the future could look like more broadly, and how we continue working toward the collective dream of accessible marine education for our community — whether that means alternate venues, different ways of delivering programmes, or perhaps, one day, some form of rebuild or new project. There are still many unknowns. Location, practicality, cost, consent, long-term sustainability, and community conversations all raise important questions, and we honestly still don’t know what form the next chapter may eventually take. We do still have some potential funding originally secured for the redesign of the Tui, and there is a limited window in which aspects of that work could be explored further. We’ve also applied for additional support through Lotto Community Grants.
Through those conversations and applications, we’ve found ourselves reflecting more deeply on what a future project could be. The location and structure of the Tui created a unique kind of synergy, but perhaps there is also an opportunity within all this to rethink the design itself and even location. The original Tui carried a strong European maritime identity. As we’ve been sketching ideas and possibilities, we’ve found ourselves asking whether a future project at Waitangi could instead take more inspiration from the traditions of Pacific voyaging and waka hourua design — something that feels more grounded in place, culture, and connection to the moana.
The image shared here is simply an early concept exploration (that could site on a variety of sites). Not plans or announcements, just ideas, conversations, and possibilities at this stage. We’re curious to hear what people think — all perspectives welcome.
