THERE IS NO ONE IN THE WORLD LIKE WAYNE THOMPSON-KARAURIA
Wayne is the only Māori tall ship captain in the world.
To say it has been a pleasure to know this young man is an understatement: Wayne is a true character and has been the heart and soul of the R. Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust for the past decade. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is ever a problem with Wayne; he approaches everything with a sense of calm, a sense of humour, and a plan to sort it out. He works hard, is keen to do his best, and attacks absolutely everything with a little bit of his own style. And that’s what we love about him.
The impact Wayne has had on the lives of our young people is profound. He connects in his own way; he is a natural kaiako, a teacher, a storyteller, and a rangatira; he is a true leader. He has made an enormous difference to thousands of rangatahi who have sailed with the Trust and we are extremely grateful for his work with our taitamariki.
Wayne has delighted guests from all over the world with dolphin facts, the history of the bay and his warm and genuine Northland welcome to The Good Ship. Often Wayne is the thing our guests remember most distinctly about their trip.
Wayne has a special way with words: wise reflective musings, accentuated with colourful language. He is as honest as the day is long and he boldly speaks the truth; he calls this mana-enhancing korero. Wayne knows our ship inside out; he has taken good care of her for 10 years. He is able to fix things, work things out and solve problems. He is a creative thinker when it comes to repairs: as he likes to say, “We hold it together with aroha”.
Not only is Wayne a teacher, but he is also an avid learner, who is curious and mindful of his own progression. And this is why we get to wish Wayne well on his next chapter, off to learn his next trade, hone his carving skills and head towards building his own home. We feel really lucky to have worked alongside this young man; he makes us laugh every day and supports everyone around him. We appreciate you Wayne. Thank you for your mahi. It has been an honour to sail with you. Arohanui.
Kia hora te marino, Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana, kia tere te Kārohirohi i mua i tōu huarahi.
Images by Bri Woolnough, written for the R. Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust
