He was recognised as a leading figure in the revival of traditional Polynesian navigation and ocean voyaging using wayfinding techniques.

[5] In December 2012, Te Aurere and Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti (another waka built by Busby) reached Rapa Nui after a 5000-nautical-mile, four-month voyage from New Zealand.

[6] The two waka then made the return journey to New Zealand, landing at Aurere Beach in Doubtless Bay in May 2013.

In the 1994 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to the Māori people.

[8] In the 2014 New Year Honours, Busby was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori.