A regional six-strong squad of J19 girls was recently selected to represent Northland and their Te Tai Tokerau Waka Ama Federation at the 2013 Vaka Eiva Regatta in Rarotonga from November 24-28.
The team is Mariata Kemp (Kerikeri High), Merita HeiHei (Kaitaia College), Jesarna Ashby, Fetuao Fa'avae (both from Te Rangi Aniwaniwa) and Kalaia Heta and Zane Heta (both Kamo). Coach Hilda Halkyard Harawira noted the six girls will all leave their final NCEA exams behind when they board a flight to Rarotonga for the event.
"The biggest challenge for the girls will be the heat and good hydration before and during the race," she said, adding 300 juniors from the Pacific region are expected to compete over a 12km long distance and 500m sprint courses in Avarua and Muri.
Due to other commitments including various sports, kapa haka and school engagements, Hilda noted the girls have only had three full team trainings but have been coached in their local waters including Lake Ngatu, and the sea off Taipa, Tapuatahi, Te Tii, Tutukaka and Onerahi.
The most recent training session was last Saturday at the Tai Tokerau w1 trials on Lake Ngatu where all the above-mentioned girls also qualified in their respective divisions for the nationals in January.
