#HAKINAKINA | Mangawhai race highlights strength of waka ama and connection to taiao

A recent showing at the Mangawhai Taniwha Masters Mixed race has underscored both the competitive edge and cultural depth of waka ama in Aotearoa, with paddler James Papali‘i among those taking to the water in one of the country’s most established racing environments.

Set against the backdrop of Mangawhai’s coastline, the race brought together experienced crews from across the region, many connected to a club with a long-standing reputation for developing high-performing paddlers and fostering a strong sense of whanaungatanga.

Papali‘i says what stood out most was the intensity of the conditions and the level of cohesion required within each crew. Changing water patterns and wind conditions demanded constant communication and precision, with teams needing to adapt quickly to maintain rhythm and speed across the course. The pace of the race reflected the depth of experience on the water, with little margin for error.

Preparation for the event focused heavily on endurance, timing and collective discipline. Crews spent weeks refining their stroke alignment and building fitness to ensure they could sustain pressure throughout the race. On the day, moments of physical and mental strain tested paddlers, particularly as conditions shifted and fatigue set in, requiring a strong mental reset to stay locked into the team’s rhythm.

For Papali‘i, competing in an event connected to Mangawhai’s long-established waka ama community carried added significance. The race was not only a test of performance, but also an opportunity to be part of a legacy that continues to shape the sport nationally. Participation in such events reinforces the intergenerational nature of waka ama, where knowledge, tikanga and experience are passed down through clubs and crews.

The connection between sport and environment has also been front of mind for paddlers, particularly with recent whale sightings in the Manukau Harbour. The presence of whales is being seen as a positive indicator of ecological health, suggesting improvements in water quality and marine life activity in areas that have previously faced environmental pressure.

For the waka ama community, the sightings serve as a reminder of the relationship between paddlers and the moana. There is a growing call for heightened awareness and respect when encountering marine life, alongside broader support for conservation efforts to protect these taonga.

As waka ama continues to grow across Aotearoa, events like the Mangawhai Taniwha race highlight not only the competitive strength of the sport, but also its deep cultural roots and connection to the natural world. For paddlers like Papali‘i, the journey is as much about representing community and environment as it is about performance on the water.