The training scheme in Pawarenga eventually evolved into Nga Hoe Horo O Pawarenga (the fast paddles of Pawarenga) while Whakataka's group in Gisborne became Mare Kura Canoe Club.
Kjeldsen had met Pili Muaulu who lived at Ngunguru during this time, and as a result, the waka building trainees and Muaulu's family built the first traditional Samoan canoe in New Zealand. Muaulu's extended family formed a club called Mitamitaga Ole Pasefica Va'a Alo (pride of the Pacific canoe club) of Ngunguru.
These three clubs along with one other in Okahu, Auckland, represented the original four clubs of New Zealand and were founding members of the national outrigger canoe association Tatou Hoe o Aotearoa (all the paddlers of Aotearoa) in 1987.
The association began planning to compete at world events and building racing waka. Since the early 90s, outrigger canoe sport in New Zealand has enjoyed phenomenal growth and competitors have experienced outstanding success. There are around 10 waka ama clubs in Northland, and much of this growth can be attributed to Kjeldsen and his commitment to a sport he was so passionate about.
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