Big Turnout At Waka Ama Regional Sprints
The Waikato River Authority supported the largest regional waka ama sprint event in Aotearoa, providing sponsorship for the Te Puku o Te Ika Regional Sprint Champs, recently held at Lake Karāpiro.
Despite economic pressures across the motu, organisers say competitor numbers continue to climb. This year the event has drawn 1,141 paddlers, with notable growth in the under-19 division.
Te Puku o Te Ika Chairperson Hiria Rolleston says the surge in participation reflects the deepening connection to waka ama across the region. Te Puku o Te Ika represents waka ama clubs across Waikato, Taranaki and the Bay of Plenty.
“It’s not just a sport for us. It’s a lifestyle and a connection to everything that makes us Māori, which is why people keep showing up, year after year,” Rolleston says.
This year, Te Puku o Te Ika has begun implementing a new governance model aimed at strengthening long-term planning and creating clearer pathways for clubs and young paddlers.
“We’re building strong governance so we can lift the whole region and create pathways. The clubs grow identity, but as a board we want to reinforce who we are and ensure that the cultural side stays central, not just the racing,” she says.
Rolleston, who is also competing at the event and supporting her children who are racing, as well as carrying responsibilities as chair of the event, also acknowledged the large team of kaitūao who worked late into the night to prepare the venue and courses.
“We see you. None of this would happen without our volunteers.” She says the Waikato River Authority’s sponsorship of kai packs for the kaitūao arrived at a crucial time.
“It makes a huge difference, one less thing for our kaimahi to think about,” Rolleston says. “It’s not just the financial support; it’s the acknowledgement and the feeling of volunteers being valued in return.”
Waikato River Authority Kaihautū Antoine Coffin echoed those sentiments, highlighting the alignment between waka ama, whakapapa and kaitiakitanga.
“Having events like this is so important. It’s not just about planting the trees, which are important, and looking after the spaces next to our river. Having our people here engaging in the awa in all its glory is equally important.” Coffin says sponsoring the kai packs for the volunteers was a simple way to support the event.
“Ka tika a muri, ka tika a mua. If things are right at the back, things are right at the front. That reciprocity matters.”
The Authority says its support reflects its mission to enhance the health and wellbeing of the Waikato and Waipā rivers, including partnerships that strengthen community connection to the awa.
The WRA is also a sponsor of the Sprint Nationals: Sunday 11 January to Saturday 17 January 2026.
