The Kura ki Tai Waka Ama crew in action. Support from the Ōpōtiki Kiwifruit Growers Community Fund helped 53 local competitors attend the National Championships this year
Weekly on the awa, you’ll find them training. Rain or shine, the members of the Kura ki Tai Waka Ama Club are out on the water, honing their skills in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing sports.
This past season, the club set its sights on the national stage, with intense training sessions leading up to major events at Blue Lake (Tikitapu) in Rotorua and Lake Karapiro.
Waka ama (outrigger canoeing) is more than just a competitive water sport; it is a vital part of New Zealand’s cultural identity. It fosters teamwork, fitness, and a deep connection to the water. However, as a sport that involves significant travel for sprint and marathon races, the costs for families can quickly add up.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Ōpōtiki Kiwifruit Growers Community Fund the financial barrier was lowered this year. The funding provided essential support for accommodation, food, and petrol, ensuring that Ōpōtiki was well represented on the national stage in January.
The impact of this support was felt by a massive contingent of local paddlers 35 children (aged 5 to 12) competed with pride with 18 adults competing alongside them.
For many of these athletes, the opportunity to compete at the Waka Ama Nationals was a highlight of their year. Because of the Ōpōtiki Kiwifruit Growers Community Fund’s commitment to local youth and families, these paddlers were able to focus on the race ahead rather than the costs of getting there.
With over 85 clubs nationwide, Waka Ama continues to grow in popularity as both a social and competitive outlet. For the Kura ki Tai Waka Ama Club, it’s about more than just the race, it’s about the whānau atmosphere that makes the sport so special.
The Eastern Bay Community Foundation and the Ōpōtiki Kiwifruit Growers Community Fund are proud to support initiatives that keep our rangatahi active, connected to their culture, and representing our region with such passion. If you would like to know more about the Eastern Bay Community Foundation or to donate to the Ōpōtiki Kiwifruit Growers Community Fund go to www.ebcf.nz and to find out more about the Kura Ki Tai Waka Ama team go to https://www.facebook.com/kurakitaiwakaama/
