Actor Toa Waaka has many memories from the Rugby World Cup, but some people will most remember him for his problematic Pajero.
Six tides, four tow-truck companies, a tractor and winch failed to budge the vehicle when it got bogged down in the sand at Huia on the Saturday of Labour Weekend when Waaka and his 10-year-old nephew were returning from snorkelling for kina. "I was teaching him about how to read the currents."
Waaka, who as kaiwero or ceremonial guardian for Ngati Toa and Te Ati Awa welcomed the Welsh and South African rugby teams to Porirua and Wellington, said the wet Huia sand was like soup. "I hopped out and sunk down to my knees. It wasn't good."
Waaka ran for help, but it was Monday before a solution was found, thanks to a bright idea from members of the Huia Volunteer Fire Brigade. Six 40-litre containers were shut inside the vehicle, and 10 big drums were strapped to the outside. "Once the tide came it started bobbing around," said Waaka. He and another man then pushed the Pajero back to shore.
A few days later he was delighted the car still went. "It's water-logged but it's an amazing truck. I have to hand it to Pajero."
