Lake Karāpiro has once again come alive with the vibrant energy of the Waka Ama Sprint Championships, an event that stands as a pinnacle of waka ama racing in Aotearoa and arguably the world. Over 3,500 paddlers, aged from 5 to over 80, have gathered to compete, cheered on by an estimated 10,000 spectators throughout the week-long celebration. This event is not just about racing; it’s a showcase of competition, community, and cultural pride.
The championships commenced on Sunday, 12 January 2025, with the tamariki (children) divisions setting the tone for the week. Young paddlers in the Taitama and Taitamāhine categories displayed incredible spirit and determination in 250-metre sprints. These races highlighted the importance of nurturing the next generation of waka ama athletes. Whānau (families) and supporters lined the banks, their cheers creating an electric atmosphere.
Monday’s action-packed schedule featured the Intermediate 12’s and J16 6’s heats, along with races in the Waikato River Authority Intermediate category and the National Hauora Coalition J16 Women’s division, and featured a series of thrilling 12’s and 6’s finals, blending the excitement of competition with the spirit of participation.
The finals began with five 12’s 250-metre finals. Standout performances included the Cook Islands Outrigger Association winning the Taitamāhine / Te Takere with a time of 1:33.40 (one minute, 33 seconds, 40 milliseconds) and Hine Karioi Kaha from the Te Toki Voyaging Trust claiming victory in the Taitamāhine / Te Ihu with a time of 1:33.10. Other notable wins came from ToiToi Manawa in the Taitama / Te Kei, the Tutu Taniwhaz in the Taitama / Te Takere, and Pipiwhakao-Te Pahou’s exceptional 1:30.83 finish in the Taitama / Te Ihu.
After which, two groups of three 6’s 250-metre finals showcased impressive team efforts. Highlights included Ngā Taimana winning the Taitamāhine / Te Kai in 2:05:70, Miti Mullets taking the Taitama / Te Kai in 1:47:64, and Hineraumati from the Te Toki Voyaging Trust delivering a standout finish of 1:25:62 in the Taitamāhine / Te Ihu.
Additionally, the Waikato River Authority Intermediate 6’s 500-metre races brought intense competition. Manutuke from YMP Waka Ama clinched the Men’s race with a narrow 1.60-second lead, while Manu Wai Red from the Manukau Outrigger Canoe Club dominated the Women’s race with a time of 2:26:38.
On Tuesday, 14 January, the heats for the Intermediate Women’s and Men’s, as well as the Junior Under-16 Men’s and Women’s 6’s, took place over 500-metres and 1000-metres. Additionally, the semi-finals for the Junior Under-16s 12’s Men’s and Women’s 500-metres were held.
The National Hauora Coalition Junior Under-16 Finals featured impressive performances. Team Tiare #JustSaying from the Nga Hoe Horo Outrigger Canoe Club claimed the Women’s title with a time of 2:06:98, edging out the runner-up by just over a second. In the Men’s 12’s Final, Awhiowhio Kamakani from the Te Toki Voyaging Trust took first place with a time of 2:00:28.
In the Intermediate 12’s Finals, the Men’s 500-metre race was won by Manutuke-Epeha from YMP Waka Ama with a time of 2:19:72, while the Women’s 500-metre race was claimed by Manu Wai Red from the Manukau Outrigger Canoe Club with a time of 2:22:11.
The day concluded with four more finals in the Intermediate Men’s and Women’s 6’s over 500-metres and 1000-metres. In the Men’s 500-metre, Manutuke from YMP Waka Ama won with a time of 2:51:20, while the Women’s 500-metre was taken by Manu Wai Red in 2:57:20. Puhi Kaiariki from the Horouta Waka Hoe Club won the Women’s 1000-metre race in 5:50:23, and the Men’s 1000-metre race saw Rukupo from YMP Waka Ama finish first with a time of 5:09:37.
Wednesday’s action included single sprint races for various divisions, from Intermediate to Senior and Gold Masters. Results are still arriving, and we will get these to you soon.
Beyond the races, a moment of ecological significance unfolded with the release of 20,000 elvers (juvenile eels) into Lake Karāpiro. Led by Ngāti Korokī-Kahukura and the Waikato Iwi Tuna Collective, this initiative highlights the community’s commitment to restoring the lake’s ecosystem. Excited tamariki watched as the elvers began their journey, a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of people and the environment.
The championships are as much about fostering connections as they are about winning. Whānau from across New Zealand and the Pacific have come together to celebrate what their ancestors did years before. This sentiment resonates throughout the championships, where tradition and modern competition seamlessly merge. For many young paddlers, experiencing their first nationals, the event is a chance to embrace their heritage, build friendships, and promote healthy lifestyles.
With three days of racing still to come, including the highly anticipated senior and premier finals, the Waka Ama Sprint Championships promise more excitement and celebration. As paddlers and spectators look forward to the culmination of this event, one thing is clear: waka ama is more than a sport. It’s proof of the strength of community, the power of tradition, and the enduring bond between people and water.
Stay tuned for the final results and reflections from Lake Karāpiro as this extraordinary week concludes.
