What is the Australian Wooden Boat Festival?
Running from Friday 7th to Monday 10th February 2025, the Australian Wooden Boat Festival is a bucket-list event for maritime enthusiasts worldwide. Held in Hobart, Tasmania, it celebrates the art and craftsmanship of wooden boats, drawing participants and visitors from across the globe. With an impressive line-up of events, exhibitions, and conversations, the festival highlights the enduring cultural and historical significance of wooden boats.
Tino Rawa Trust’s role
For the first time, the Tino Rawa Trust will feature in an international exhibition, as part of a dedicated New Zealand Pavilion at the festival’s Pacific Seafarers Precinct. This project is led by Tony Stevenson and Michelle Khan-Stevenson, key figures in the Trust’s ongoing efforts to celebrate and preserve New Zealand’s maritime history.
Restoring maritime icons
Among the featured vessels is the Ngataki, a storied wooden boat famously sailed by Johnny Wray in the 1930s during his South Sea adventures. Its restoration has been a labour of love, showcasing the Trust’s commitment to traditional boatbuilding techniques and craftsmanship. Another exciting project underway is Jesse Logan, a purpose-built gaff-rigged racer designed by Robert Logan Snr in 1880, representing New Zealand’s rich sailing history.
For further details on how to donate to this amazing opportunity please contact Tony and Michelle from the Tino Rawa Trust.
The Trust’s participation will culminate in a series of engaging events during the festival. These include symposiums, exhibitions, races, and collaborative conversations celebrating the Pacific’s enduring maritime legacy.
Tino Rawa Trust’s festival schedule
Thursday, 6th February
- 9am – 4pm: Final display set-up at the Pacific Seafarers Precinct. Visitors are welcome to pop by to say hello or lend a hand.
- 5pm – 7pm: An informal function hosted alongside the New Zealand Maritime Museum to kick off the festival. Details will be confirmed in January.
Friday, 7th February
- 12pm – 5pm: The Official Parade of Sail. The Trust will draw a lucky name from its Supporters Group to experience this spectacular tall ship event.
- 4.45pm – 5.15pm: The Welcome to Country and Official Opening at Constitution Dock.
- 6.30pm – 8.30pm: We Are the Ocean: A powerful conversation featuring Dame Anne Salmond, artist Michel Tuffery, and waka captain Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr.
Saturday, 8th February
- 11am – 12pm: Wooden Boat Symposium – Tony Stevenson will discuss the resurrection of Ngataki, a highlight for wooden boat enthusiasts.
- 3.30pm – 6.30pm: The Ngataki vs Te Rapunga Rally, a historic race that promises to be a standout event. Details on spectator vessels and post-race functions will be released in January.
Sunday, 9th February
- 11am – 12pm: Wooden Boat Symposium – Larry Paul shares the incredible story of The Daring Rescue.
Monday, 10th February
- From midday: Festival Boat Parade to farewell departing vessels.
- 4pm: Festival closes.
Supporting the journey
To bring this vision to life, the Tino Rawa Trust needs to raise the final NZD $20,000 to cover the costs of transporting Ngataki and several other classic vessels to Hobart and back. The funds will also support setting up the exhibition space, facilitating the Ngataki vs Te Rapunga race, and participating in key events throughout the festival.
For further details on how to donate to this amazing opportunity please contact Tony and Michelle from the Tino Rawa Trust.
This is an opportunity to back a project that honours New Zealand’s rich maritime history while showcasing it on a global stage. Every donation counts, and the Trust invites supporters to click the link below and contribute to this ambitious project.
The Trust extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already offered support. Your contributions are helping keep New Zealand’s maritime heritage alive and celebrated.
Why It matters
The Tino Rawa Trust has been instrumental in restoring over 20 vessels since its inception. By championing traditional materials and techniques, they not only preserve these iconic boats but also ensure the skills and stories behind them are passed down to future generations. Events like the Australian Wooden Boat Festival provide a unique opportunity to share this work, foster international connections, and inspire new generations of wooden boat enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a passionate sailor, a history buff, or someone who values cultural preservation, supporting this cause is a chance to be part of something truly special. Let’s help the Tino Rawa Trust and Ngataki fly the flag for New Zealand’s maritime legacy on the international stage.
We look forward to seeing you in Hobart in February 2025 to celebrate these magnificent vessels and the people who keep their stories alive.
For further details please contact Tony and Michelle from the Tino Rawa Trust.
