Related Meanings
The word 'waka' is also used in broader senses that can be translated as 'vessel', 'container', or 'vehicle'.
A waka huia is a hollowed and carved vessel used for storing of taonga (treasures) such as the prized tail feathers of the now-extinct huia bird (Heteralocha acutirostris) that are worn as ornaments in the hair. Maori revered Huia feathers as symbols of high status. On her coronation Elizabeth II was presented with two huia feathers.
In current Māori usage, waka is used to refer to cars but is more closely translated to vessel, along with the transliterated term 'motokā' (motorcar). The neologism 'waka-rere-rangi' (literally: waka (vessle) that sails the sky) was coined for aircraft. A 'waka hari hinu', (vessel that carries oil) is an oil tanker; a 'waka niho' (gear container) is a car's gearbox.
'Waka' can be used to refer transport in general, such as in 'Te Manatū Waka' (Ministry of Transport) and 'Waka Kotahi' (New Zealand Transport Agency).
Read more about this topic: Waka (canoe)
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