Sir Hekenukumai Puhipi "Hek" Busby was a renowned Māori navigator, master waka builder, and cultural leader from New Zealand. Born in Awanui, Northland, Busby played a pivotal role in revitalizing traditional Polynesian navigation techniques and preserving the seafaring heritage of the Māori people.

Growing up in the coastal community of Awanui, Busby developed a deep connection to the ocean from an early age. His passion for traditional wayfinding and navigation techniques led him to become one of the most respected experts in celestial navigation, a skill that had been nearly lost in the Pacific.

In the 1970s, recognizing the need to preserve and pass on the ancestral knowledge of navigation, Sir Hekenukumai Busby played a key role in the construction of traditional waka (canoes). He co-founded the Waka Tapu project, an initiative that aimed to revive traditional navigational skills and sail a fleet of waka from Aotearoa (New Zealand) to Rapanui (Easter Island) using only ancient wayfinding techniques.

Sir Hekenukumai Busby's dedication to cultural revitalization and navigation earned him numerous accolades, including being knighted in 2018 for his services to Māori and the art of celestial navigation. His legacy extends beyond his personal achievements, as he inspired a new generation to reconnect with their cultural heritage and appreciate the importance of traditional knowledge in the modern world.

Throughout his life, Sir Hekenukumai Busby remained a respected elder and cultural ambassador, working tirelessly to bridge the gap between the past and the present. His contributions to the preservation of Māori navigation techniques and waka building have left an indelible mark on New Zealand's cultural landscape. Sir Hekenukumai Busby passed away in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of cultural revitalization, navigation expertise, and a profound respect for the wisdom of his ancestors.

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