October 05, 2012
Rangatahi take on northern seas in waka ama
A group of Bay of Island teenagers are taking to a cleaner ocean.
Kaihoe o Ngati Rehia waka ama set off from Matai Bay on Karikari Peninsula yesterday morning in two six-person outrigger canoes, and they aim to be in Whangarei by Sunday.
One of the pioneers of waka ama in Northland, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, was on board for the first and riskiest leg across Doubtless Bay.
She says by calling on the traditions of their ancestors Ngati Rehia is keeping its rangatahi busy, focused and fit.
The 270 km trip will leave the paddlers mentally and physically prepared for next month’s Vaka Eiva champs in Rarotonga.