The disappearance of Te Awanui waka from its home in downtown Tauranga has confused one local.

The 46 foot long waka was carved by Tuti Tukaokao from a kauri trunk that was 300 years old and gifted to Tauranga City in 1973. Its shelter, at the northern end of The Strand, is called Te Urunga.

'I was walking past the waka shelter and noticed something wasn't right – the waka was missing,” says the city worker, who wished to be anonymous.

Despite the persons concerns, the waka has been housed safely at the Tauranga Heritage Collection storage facility in Mount Maunganui, according to Tauranga City Council arts and culture manager James Wilson.

Sections of the waka had been removed due to damage in the wood, says James.

'This damage is not the result of vandalism, but due to issues with pest damage and general wear and tear.

'Heritage collection manager Dean Flavell will lead a team of carvers on the restoration project, including some emerging carvers who will work alongside him to develop their whakairo skills.”

The waka was removed on Tuesday, September 20 and supervised by Dean with the support of council's spaces and places team, says James.

'The waka was delicately lifted by crane onto a waiting truck following a karakia to bless the journey.”

Tauranga City Council has not confirmed whether the waka is expected to be returned to its shelter, Te Urunga.

'Council is currently considering options for the waka to either be displayed as part of the redeveloped waterfront or exhibited in the new museum to be built at Te Manawataki o Te Papa,” says James.

Te Urunga has also been cleaned out following the departure of the waka.