March 27, 2023
Waka ama comp about more than winning
The Waka Ama 2023 Secondary School Nationals kick off this morning at Tikitapu, Rotorua’s Blue Lake.
Waka Ama NZ chief executive Lara Collins says 105 kura have registered, including two from French Polynesia.
It’s the 21st year of the event, although last year’s tournament scrapped because of Covid restrictions.
She says kura from Tairawhiti have traditionally been strong contenders, but they along with those from Napier, Hastings and Wairoa have been doing it tough since the cyclone.
“A lot of them haven’t been able to paddle because of the rahui or it’s not been safe for them to paddle and they’ve only just been able to start in the last week so just the fact they are coming to the event and committed to taking part for the young people to be able to enjoy something after the tough time they have been having, I think that’s the most important thing for everyone rather than the winning,” Ms Collins says.
She says the growth of secondary school waka ama has been fuelled through strong relationships with the clubs in each rohe, who can share equipment, expertise and members.