January 10, 2026

#hakinakina Waka Ama’s Legacy of Whānau, Culture and Competition — Nationals Underway

Matthew Tukaki Posted On January 10, 2026

The water is calling, and paddles are poised – the 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals are officially underway this weekend at Lake Karāpiro, as thousands of paddlers from across Aotearoa gather for what promises to be the biggest waka ama event in the nation’s history.

What began as a humble gathering decades ago has grown into a vibrant national institution – a celebration of whānau, culture, hauora (wellbeing) and fierce competition that reflects the very heart of our communities.

This year’s Sprint Nationals are set to shatter previous records, with more than 4,600 paddlers registered to compete – nearly 800 more than the previous year, making this the largest single-sport national event in Aotearoa.

The week-long championship brings together competitors of all ages and abilities – from tamariki (children) to kaumātua (elders), including adaptive athletes – racing in waka of different crew sizes across exciting sprint distances.

For many, waka ama is more than a sport. It is a living expression of Māori culture, rooted in connection to water, ancestors, and one another. Supported by mana whenua as well as paddlers and whānau from every part of the motu, the event embodies the saying “mā te katoa, mō āke tonu” – for all, for life.

Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ Chief Executive Lara Collins says that beyond the racing, waka ama plays a powerful role in promoting hauora and community wellbeing. This year’s Nationals include a dedicated Hauora Hub – offering health checks and wellbeing activities designed to support paddlers and spectators alike.

For many paddlers, waka ama is a legacy – something passed from generation to generation.

Raipoia Brightwell, a stalwart of the sport whose club helped revive waka ama in Aotearoa more than 40 years ago, says the connection goes far deeper than competition.

“This sport goes far beyond competing with each other – it’s linked to our mental health and who we are,” she told Waatea News, describing waka ama as essential to life itself.

Brightwell’s own journey underscores the cultural depth of waka ama. After encountering the sport in Tahiti in the 1980s, she helped bring it home to Aotearoa, inspiring generations of paddlers and contributing to the sport’s growth into a national phenomenon.

The Nationals are not just about speed – they are about whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (hospitality), and celebrating shared identity on the water. Boats glide across the lake not only in pursuit of medals, but in affirmation of who we are – communities linked by shared effort, pride, and joy in gathering at the water’s edge.

As waka ama whānau converge on Lake Karāpiro this weekend, the water will echo with cheers from supporters, with whānau on the shoreline and tamariki learning what it feels like to paddle side-by-side with others. It’s a testament to the sport’s unique blend of tradition and vitality, a connection from our past to our future, carried forward in every stroke.

Whether paddler, supporter or first-time visitor, the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals are a reminder of the enduring strength of whānau, culture and collective spirit that makes waka ama more than a sport – it’s a way of life.