Waka Ama Nationals 2025 honour Kiwi Campbell’s legacy

The memory of Gisborne's Kiwi Campbell will be strong throughout the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals on Lake Karāpiro this week.

• The Waka Ama Nationals 2025 are the first without renowned paddler Kiwi Campbell, who died last year.
• David Jones reflects on Campbell’s legacy, highlighting her impact as a paddler and coach.
• New teams, like Kiwi ki Tai, honour Campbell’s skills, with Horouta’s J16 teams performing well.

The Waka Ama Nationals 2025 mark the first nationals without renowned waka ama paddler Kiwi Campbell, who died late last year.

Campbell, a member of the Horouta Waka Hoe Club in Gisborne, was celebrated for her contribution to the sport as both an elite paddler and coach.

Today is the third day of racing, with the intermediate and J16 teams.

YMP Waka Ama Club paddler David Jones reflects on Kiwi Campbell’s legacy in the sport.

“For us from Te Tai Rāwhiti, we are remembering those who have passed on. Te Tai Rāwhiti acknowledged Kiwi Campbell at [Sunday’s] kawe mate, as well as our Aunty Aroha.”

“Mō mātau o Te Tai Rāwhiti, ka hoki ngā mahara ki a rātau mā kua mene ki te pō. I te kawe mate i haria mai [Te] Tairāwhiti i a Kiwi Campbell, otirā i [tō] mātau aunty i a Aunty Aroha.”

“Without them we wouldn’t be as successful in this sport, so it’s only right that we acknowledge them here first before focusing on the work at Karāpiro.”

“Mei kore ake [rātau], kua kore ko tātau i roto i ngā mahi [nei]. Nā reira he tika [kia] haria mai rātau ki konei kia tangihia tuatahi, kia mihia, ā, ka huri ki ngā mahi ki runga o Karāpiro.”

“Without them we wouldn’t be as successful in this sport, so it’s only right that we acknowledge them here first before focusing on the work at Karāpiro.”

Jones also noted that new waka ama teams, such as Kiwi ki Tai, have chosen their name to pay tribute to Campbell’s skills and knowledge.

“Horouta’s J16 teams are doing great so far, so Kiwi’s teachings live on through this generation.”

“Ko ngā kapa o Horouta i roto i te kapa 16 - kua eke rātau, nā reira kei te ora tonu ngā mahi a Kiwi i roto i tērā o ngā reanga.”

The Waka Ama Nationals 2025 will wrap up on Saturday with the finals.