Waka ama spirit flows into pupils' daily lives

A waka ama crew of Masterton Intermediate School pupils are taking their success on the water into class with them, says crew co-coach Nathan "Chopper" Riwai-Couch.

Constable Riwai-Couch said he had earlier this year teamed up with fellow former Wairarapa-Bush player Joe Harwood, a youth worker with Rangitane o Wairarapa iwi authority, and sought out Year 7 students with leadership qualities at Masterton Intermediate School.

He said there had been an abundance of names put forward by the school for the inaugural eight-week scheme, which aims to cultivate leadership skills among crew members.

"We originally approached the school and asked for nominations of students with leadership qualities, so they can give something back to the school as role models and leaders," said Riwai-Couch.

The all-boy crew of 10 pupils have been hitting the oars at Henley Lake soon after 6am every Friday for the past six weeks and their excitement and commitment is still running high.

School principal Kara Mason also has turned out for all but one of the early morning training sessions and the parents of the young crew members were yesterday invited to race as well.

"They've been ready at 6 o'clock every Friday and we can't fault them on that.

"And the feedback from teachers is that they're doing better in class. We were hoping it would rub off on their other school activities and parents are using it to benefit at home as well," he said.

Mr Riwai-Couch said the crew was to consolidate their team spirit and contest the tug-of-war challenge at the Mauriceville Fair tomorrow ahead of racing at the Regional Waka Ama Sprint Champs at the Onepoto Domain in Porirua on December 8.

He said the Eastwood Motor Group were major sponsors of the waka ama scheme along with seven other sponsors and the inaugural crew will be back on the water in the New Year to reinforce their leadership lessons. A new crew will be taken aboard in Term 4 next year, Riwai-Couch said.