Wairoa’s young waka ama paddlers made a strong impression at this year’s Karāpiro Nationals, proudly representing their whānau, hapū, and iwi on the national stage. Thanks to the support of the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust (WYAT), which provided petrol vouchers to assist with travel costs, three teams—Kahungunu Tama Toa, Kahungunu Tama Tū, and Kahungunu Kōtiro Kaha—were able to compete in one of the country’s most prestigious waka ama events.
For many of these young athletes, the journey to Karāpiro was as significant as the races themselves. Competing at a national level meant stepping outside their comfort zones, testing their skills against some of the best paddlers in Aotearoa. The two boys’ Intermediate grade teams faced tough competition in both W6 and W12 categories, adjusting to the intensity of the event as they competed through their heats. While neither team advanced to the semifinals, with the help of their coach Mokoera Tipuna the boys gained valuable experience, improved on their race-start strategies, and adapted to the demands of high-level competition. They are looking forward to the upcoming waka ama training at Adventure Wairoa during 2025.
The Kahungunu Kōtiro Kaha team, however, delivered a standout performance, securing a first-place finish in one of their W6 heats and with the help of their steerer Phillipa Wirangi going on to place third overall in the Te Takere pool finals. The girls also combined with paddlers from Ōpōtiki’s ‘Kura Ki Tai’ waka ama club to race in the W12 division, where they placed fifth in the finals—just ten seconds behind the winning team. Their strong results were a testament to their teamwork, discipline, and both teams coaches Christina Stockman, and Anna Kurei who played a key roles in motivating and guiding the young paddlers.
Beyond the competition itself, the experience at Karāpiro provided these rangatahi with an opportunity to grow both as athletes and individuals. Competing at this level required discipline, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that will serve them well in future tournaments. The event also reinforced the importance of community, with whānau, coaches, and supporters playing an integral role in the team’s journey. WYAT’s funding support was instrumental in ensuring these tamariki could attend, helping to ease financial barriers and allowing them to focus on their racing.
While the results on the water varied, the impact of this experience was undeniable. The teams returned to Wairoa with valuable lessons, strengthened friendships, and a deeper passion for waka ama. With their sights now set on next year’s competition, these young paddlers are more determined than ever to build on their achievements and continue representing their community with pride.
Their journey to Karāpiro was just the beginning, and as they look ahead to future competitions, there’s no doubt that Wairoa’s waka ama talent is on the rise.