Waka Ama 2026 has been hailed as a major success, with record participation and growing enthusiasm reflecting the continued rise of the sport across Aotearoa.
Waka Ama Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Lara Collins says the numbers alone tell a powerful story – waka ama is no longer a niche sport, but a thriving movement grounded in culture, community, and connection to the moana.
“Every year we’re seeing more paddlers, more whānau, and more communities engaging with waka ama,” Collins says. “That growth is something to celebrate – but it also brings new challenges.”
Organising at Scale
With increasing numbers comes increased complexity.
Collins says organising a national event of this scale requires significant coordination – from logistics and safety planning, to accommodating a wide range of age groups, skill levels, and iwi and regional representation.
“When you’re working with thousands of paddlers, multiple days of racing, and whānau travelling from all over the country, the pressure is on to get everything right,” she says.
Volunteer capacity, infrastructure, and ensuring a safe and positive experience for everyone involved remain ongoing challenges as the event grows year on year.
Rethinking the Event Format
As waka ama continues to expand, questions are being raised about whether the national event may need to evolve.
Collins says Waka Ama New Zealand is actively considering future options – including whether events could be spread over a longer period, or separated by age groups or divisions.
“Those conversations are happening,” she says. “We want to protect the kaupapa of bringing everyone together, while also making sure the experience remains sustainable, safe, and enjoyable.”
Any future changes, she says, would be guided by consultation with clubs, regions, and paddlers themselves.
Challenges Facing the Sport
Despite its success, waka ama is not without its challenges.
Collins points to pressures around funding, access to facilities, volunteer burnout, and the impact of environmental change on waterways and coastal conditions.
“We’re a sport that is deeply connected to the environment,” she says. “When our waterways are under threat, waka ama feels it immediately.”
Ensuring equitable access for rangatahi, rural communities, and smaller clubs is also a key focus as the sport continues to grow.
Environmental Concerns and Golden Clam Contamination
This year’s event also took place amid heightened awareness of biosecurity risks, including concerns around golden clam contamination.
In Te Taitokerau, teams returning home were advised not to enter fresh water for 10 days as a precautionary measure.
Collins confirms that the issue was discussed with participating groups, with clear guidance provided around biosecurity protocols, cleaning of equipment, and protecting local waterways.
“We take these issues very seriously,” she says. “Our responsibility doesn’t end when the paddling stops – it extends to the protection of our awa, lakes, and coastal environments.”
Looking Ahead
As Waka Ama 2026 draws to a close, the message from organisers is one of pride, reflection, and careful planning for the future.
For Collins, the success of the event reinforces the strength of waka ama as both a sport and a kaupapa.
“Waka ama is about more than racing,” she says. “It’s about whakapapa, teamwork, wellbeing, and connection. Our challenge now is to grow in a way that stays true to those values.”
Radio Waatea News will continue to follow developments as waka ama charts its next course.
