As waka ama grows in popularity throughout New Zealand, one Nelson club is proving age is no barrier to participating in the sport.
Maitahi Outrigger Canoe Club (Maitahi) held its 15th annual Tuna e Hoe Ana regatta in February, with close to 200 competitors enjoying time on the picturesque water of Lake Rotoiti. More than 75 years separated the youngest and oldest participants at the 2024 event.
“This is our biggest event of the year, and it’s just a fun weekend of friendly racing,” says Maitahi Race Director Tony Davies.
“It’s as much about the social interaction and seeing people and meeting people, as it is about the racing.”
Waka ama (outrigger canoe) is an important part of Pacific culture. In New Zealand, waka ama events are guided by Māori values, incorporating tikanga, language, and cultural identity.
Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Trust’s Cultural Advisor Aaron Hemi attended the event and says it was special to welcome participants to Lake Rotoiti, an area of significance to mana whenua.
“Ngāti Apa have had a historical connection that spans over many decades, many generations, many centuries,” says Aaron.
“This is one of our sites of significance, our urutapu. This was a place where we sought solace.”
Aaron says the area was a mahinga kai and a gateway to the rest of region, offering views to Wairau, Whakatū, and Kawatiri.
For events like Tuna e Hoe Ana, Lake Rotoiti remains a site for whānau and community to gather.
“Holding events such as this, it gives us all reasons just to come together, test everyone’s skills, have a bit of a race, but also have a good time doing it,” says Aaron.
According to a 2020 ‘Growth of Waka Ama case study’ by Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa, waka ama is on a “growth trajectory” with the number of clubs increasing 34 percent from 2013 to 2017 and membership climbing 54 percent. Among youth grades the growth was significant at 124 percent.
As well as the physical health and wellbeing benefits, connecting to Te Ao Māori is important for many participants. The Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa case study indicates Māori representation at secondary school and club level is strong and cultural connection is a key motivation driving participation.
Maitahi club member Cliff Saxton echoes that sentiment.
“Being Māori myself, it’s given me an opportunity to use my knowledge of waka ama and be able to help support our whānau in developing their knowledge of Tikanga Māori,” says Cliff.
“The waka tāngata draws us all together, it’s just amazing.”
Fellow club member Jan Blythe started her waka ama journey at sixty-three years old and says age is no barrier to what she calls “a really inclusive sport.” Jan has been to many World Championships in recent years and has qualified for the World Sprints event in Hawaii this August.
Maitahi has close to 100 members, but the club’s reach is significant with hundreds of whānau connected to the club.
“We try to remove any barriers to people participating,” adds Tony.
“We don’t care where people come from, or what their financial situation is, we’ll get them involved.
“All in all, the whole thing is about family and community, and that’s why we do it.”
Rātā Foundation provides funding support to Maitahi, ensuring more waka are available to participants.
“By removing the cost barriers to participation in sport and recreation, there is a flow-on effect where other barriers start to be broken down as well, and waka ama is proving to be a truly accessible sport for people of all ages,” says Rātā Chief Executive Leighton Evans.
“It is encouraging that more young people are embracing cultural connection through waka ama and enjoying time out among some of the best landscapes the Nelson-Tasman region has to offer.”