The waka ama races have returned after a pandemic delay. Photo: RNZ / Ashleigh McCaull
The waka ama races have returned after a pandemic delay. Photo: RNZ / Ashleigh McCaull
Marquees blanket the shoreline as more than 8000 people cheered on competitors at the Waka Ama championships on Lake Karapiro.
Whānau of all ages have travelled from all over the country to the lake just south of Cambridge.
“We love it, it’s all about being competitive at our age and also the whānau whānui buzz I suppose,” said Yvonne Aranui.
“You see the colour, the faces, the competition, it’s not just a social event but it’s actually competition which is damn good for our kids,” said Luther Toloa.
“Yes, it’s grown huge. Now the whole place is covered and it’s just the kids!” said Kim Tipene.
It is the 33rd time the competition has been held, and it has become one of the biggest events on the Māori calendar.
Whānau turned out to cheer on the waka ama action. Photo: RNZ / Ashleigh McCaull
Many come as entire whānau and they said they are there for more than just the racing.
Some of the rangatahi competing said the sport has helped them form life-long connections with things like “making new friends” and “being out on the water”.
Waka ama is massive among Māori and Pasifika - a way to connect with roto, awa and moana.
Competitors are as young as 5.
The oldest - Whanganui’s Peter Wilson - is 81. And he only got into the highly physical sport five years ago.
“A person asked me to join their team but I went to the wrong club rooms and ended up in another team.
“I refereed rugby for probably 55 years and I only gave up because I had to have a second hip replacement, I couldn’t run.
“Waka ama happened to be something that suited me.”
All action on the water. Photo: RNZ / Ashleigh McCaull
Waka Ama New Zealand chief executive Lara Collins puts this down to the disruption from Covid-19.
“Last year the event got cancelled. For some it was their first summer that they had off for a while and I think some adults who have been coaching kids’ teams and have been really involved with their club have just taken a break, which means that it will probably take a minute to be able to come back from that and build those numbers up again.”
But she is certain it’s just a blip.
“It could probably get to maybe 4500 before we’re at max capacity so we’re already doing some planning to see what does nationals look like in three to five years time.”
