In 1937 Maori leader Princess Te Puea commissioned the building of a fleet of waka (canoes) and cameraman R.G.H. "Jim" Manley to film the process from 1937 to 1940 when the waka were launched to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The film was not finished until 1990 when Jonathan Dennis, director of the New Zealand Film Archive, commissioned filmmaker Merata Mita to edit the restored footage. With editor Annie Collins Mita completed the film according to kaupapa Maori (Maori protocol), working at Turangawaewae Marae so elders and those present at the original filming could contribute. Sound effects and music were added to the silent footage.