February 07, 2020
Portage Crossing Celebration 2020, Honouring 800 Years of Tainui Waka Culture
Portage Crossing Celebration 2020, Honouring 800 Years of Tainui Waka Culture
“Best waka ama race that Aotearoa has to offer”
National waka ama event, Portage Crossing, is on Saturday 8 February in Tāmaki Makaurau. This year it’s received entries from the largest contingent of waka ama paddlers since the event started
For the first time a novice and Junior 16 category has been added. Event founder and race coordinator, James Papali’i is enthusiastic about the addition of even more waka ama paddlers.
“Educating our community about the discovery of our area and the naming of this place is essential in reminding us of the significance of Tainui waka. It is an important acknowledgement of our history” Papali’i says. “This year we’re hosting the biggest number of paddlers. The Portage Crossing is growing from strength to strength in popularity from the waka ama fraternity,”
James Papa;i'i Photo credit: Waateanews.com
The day is about recognising the traditional route by the Tainui waka taken by eponymous Tainui ancestor, Hoturoa. Portage Crossing entrants paddle the same path navigated 800 years ago.
“We’re extremely proud to serve our community again through hosting the event with our community partners. It shows the vision of a thriving healthy community in action,” says Wyn Osborne, Chief Executive of Manukau Urban Māori Authority (MUMA).
Other partners backing Portage Crossing are Auckland Council, Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, Panuku Development Auckland and Mainfreight.
Waka expert: Matahi Broghtwell and Ole Maiava from Panuku Photo credit: Waateanews.com
The day starts at dawn with waka being lashed and paddlers signing in at Okahu Bay. From there paddlers make the 28km journey together, 18km by water and 10km by land to paddle to Waterfront Reserve Mangere Bridge.
Photo credit: Waateanews.com
Hundreds of competitors honouring this historical event will race towards the finish line and be welcomed, as traditions are observed, at the special pōwhiri lead by Tainui elders.
This is where the festivities will commence, and the prestige of the medal ceremony will be held to honour the many waka ama paddlers who have committed to this amazing race.
“Portage Crossing is one of the best races that Aotearoa has to offer. As a competitive paddler it’s great to be a part of the history of Tainui waka. This experience is unique and offers so much to celebrate in our community,” says Margie Thompson, a waka ama competitor.
Photo credit: Waateanews.com
Several thousand spectators are expected to turn up in support and the community concert will entertain the many who will join the festivities. Fabulous entertainment will be provided, featuring the musical talents of 1814, House of Shem and many others.
The day will bring a great mixture of music, along with stalls, performances, art displays, children’s activities, hangi and other delicious kai. This whānau-friendly day champions the healthy eating kaupapa as a ‘fizz free’ free community event. Festivities at Waterfont Reserve Mangere Bridge go from 10am to 6pm with the powhiri at 11.30am.
For more information go to: https://www.muma.co.nz and https://www.facebook.com/muma.org
Copyright © 2020, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com