Record numbers set to compete in 2023 Waka Ama Nationals in Whitianga

The event is a joint effort between Te Puku o Te Ika, Whitianga Waka Ama, Hauraki Waka Ama, Te Aputa Tira Hoe, and Te Whanau Waka Ama o Whangamata, in association with Waka Ama New Zealand (WANZ).  

The event will officially open with a pōwhiri 3pm Thursday 20th April at Buffalo Beach Reserve, Whitianga, where paddlers and waka ama whānau will be welcomed by haukāinga.

The racing will kick off on Friday and Saturday from Buffalo Beach and will bring together 1,045 paddlers, representing 56 different clubs, from all across Aotearoa – New Zealand. Paddlers will take to the waters and compete on a circuit race course completing distances of 8km, 16km, or 24km depending on their respective divisions. The event includes paddlers from J16 up to Master 75, inclusive of adaptive paddlers. Friday will see the adult divisions compete in their W1 & W2 events, and the junior and adaptive paddlers compete in their W6 events. Saturday will follow a similar format with the adult divisions competing in their W6 races and the junior and adaptive paddlers competing in their W1 & W2 races.

The 2023 Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals promises to be an exciting event and with a record-breaking number of entries this will be an excellent opportunity for families to come together and support their community while enjoying a family-friendly event. With 56 clubs coming from as far north as Kaitaia and as far south as Dunedin all set to compete in different categories this will be a sight not to be missed. The organisers encourage families to come and support the participants and get behind the individuals and teams that have entered. There will also be a market area with some amazing art work, clothing and food stalls selling all your favourites on each competition day. There will also be an opportunity to grab some limited edition event exclusive merchandise.

– Leanne Petersen, Whitianga Waka Ama.

Events Statistics

• Clubs: 56
• Paddlers: 1045
• Races: 6
• Race days: 2.

Event organisers say that from the outset, the event has had strong support from the Thames Coromandel District Council and the Whitianga Community. Organisers have said their has been a great response from local businesses who have jumped on board to tautoko (support) the event, and accommodation providers are set to welcome the waka ama paddlers and their whānau over the next few days. The event site will be buzzing with a number of vendors on site for the local community to enjoy.

The event promises to be a family-friendly affair, and the organizers invite families to come and support the participants. With such a high number of entries, this is a great opportunity for the district to come together and support their community.

We are looking forward to bringing this event to Whitianga and having our waka ama whānau join us at this amazing location. Waka Ama NZ would like to thank the event organisers and hosts Te Puku o Te Ika, Whitianga Waka Ama, Hauraki Waka Ama, Te Āputa Tira Hoe, and Te Whānau Waka Ama o Whangamata for bringing this event together. 

– Waka Ama NZ CEO, Lara Collins

Qualifying event for World Distance Championship

This National event is also a qualifying event for the upcoming 2023 International Va'a Federation World Distance Championship to be held in Samoa from 10-18 August. The World Distance Championship returns after a four-year hiatus due to covid restrictions. The competition will be fierce out on the water as hopeful paddlers compete in their respective divisions and events to secure a spot in the Aotearoa team.

This year's event has an extra incentive for paddlers competing for spots for the 2023 World Distance Champs taking place in Samoa in August. There will be some exciting and competitive racing that will take place over the two days of racing. We are looking forward to seeing the skills of these paddlers take to the water after many hours of hard training.

– Waka Ama NZ CEO, Lara Collins

Moreover, this competition serves as a platform for experienced and capable crews and individuals to showcase their skills and compete against some of the best in the country.

Race Distances and Courses 

The event will feature a range of categories with the races set to cover different distances and courses. Waka categories include:

• W6 – a team waka with 6 paddlers
• W1 Ruddered/Rudderless – a single person waka
• W2/W3 – a double or a team of 3
• Adaptive – para paddlers/other abled (across categories).

Competitors are categorised based on age and skill level, from J16 and above, with short course events provided as an opportunity for paddlers who are experienced but unable to complete the senior distance, with no medal eligibility.

Where to watch and Event Schedule Summary

The Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals is a free event for all whānau to come down to watch from the shore.  Organisers invite everyone to Buffalo Beach Reserve to come check out the kai, coffee, and goods for sale from our vendors, watch some competitive racing, and enjoy the waka ama atmosphere here in Whitianga.

Download the full event schedule and course layouts at the bottom of the page. 

20 April Powhiri

Powhiri – 3pm at event site

21 April Races one to three

Race one: starting 8.30am – Mens Rudderless, Womens Ruddered, W2,W3 and 3 Women/ Mixed 

Race two: starting 11.30am – Women Rudderless, Men Ruddered, W2,W3 and 3 Women/ Mixed 

Race three: starting 1.30pm – Junior, Adaptive and Open Short-course. 

22 April Races four to six

Race four: starting 8am – Senior Women W6, J16 and Adaptive W1

Race five: starting 11am – Senior Mixed W6, J16 and Adaptive W1

Race six: starting 2pm – Men W6

23 April – Back-up race day. 

The Waka Ama  Lang Distance nationals logo

Jason Porter & Lynton Rowling give the following explanation of the Waka Ama logo:

The Waka Ama logo – manu incorporates aspects of manawhenua Ngāti Hei. The Manu Karere for Ngāti Hei is a messenger of good news symbolising the promise of a successful event for all the whānau involved. From kaimahi to kaihoe and kaitautoko we are all coming together to share and encourage the positivity that the kaupapa of waka ama brings.

• the koru of flight is the whānaunga of the 4 hosting clubs coming together.
• the broad chest of the manu represents the large region of Te Puku o Te Ika
• the head signifies the waves and Motukorure island you see when you look out from Whitianga
• the tail is the hoe or sail that is the tool to navigate our purpose and passion for Waka Ama.