January 14, 2018
Waka ama sprint nationals under way
More than 3000 paddlers have signed up to take part in this week’s National Waka Ama Sprint Championships on Lake Karapiro.
Among the 80 clubs participating is Waka Tangata o Te Awhinamai Te Toki ki Tuakau, despite losing its three waka in a suspicious fire in early November.
Club president Rosalie Ellis says paddlers were able to maintain their training schedule on waka loaned by event sponsor Te Wananga o Aotearoa and Te Toki Voyaging Trust.
Wananga chief executive Dr Jim Mather says waka ama provides massive benefits for paddlers and helps bring communities together “so anything we can do to support that is well worthwhile”.
The Tuakau club is raising funds for new waka, which cost about $15,000 each.
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