Connecting people with the wai, each other, and kaupapa Māori
Did you spot Whitianga Waka Ama on the water this Waitangi Day? Our local club welcomed more than 40 new paddlers who took to the moana (ocean) for the first time as part of the Waitangi ki Whitianga celebration held at Buffalo Beach Reserve.
Waka Ama (outrigger canoeing) is a paddling sport with deep cultural and historical roots in Aotearoa and the Pacific. It involves paddling a waka (canoe) with an ama (outrigger) attached for stability. It is the fastest-growing water sport in Aotearoa, particularly in the Māori and Pasifika communities.
This is a kōrero (story) from passionate club members Mike Bennett (Club President) and Natalie Jones (Club Secretary) who are dedicated to connecting kaihoe (paddlers) with the wai (water), each other, and kaupapa Māori.
Waka Ama in Te Whitianga-a-Kupe
Waka Ama caters to all levels – from beginners looking to experience their first paddle to seasoned paddlers training for races. We currently operate from Tarapatiki Stream, with club sessions on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.
We aim to build a strong community of experienced, confident kaihoe who feel connected to the sport and its traditions.
Paddle Etiquette Tip #1
When holding your hoe (paddle) on land, always rest the handle on the ground rather than leaning on the blade—this helps prevent damage and keeps your paddle in top condition!
Whitianga Hosted the Long-Distance Nationals
“We never thought it would come to us.” – Mike Bennett
Hosting the Long-Distance Nationals in April 2023 was a milestone moment for Whitianga Waka Ama, marking the first time Hauraki hosted this event. With just four months to plan for 2000-3000 attendees, safety and logistics were key.
Our club’s strong connections with Surf Life Saving and Coastguard ensured a solid safety plan. Four local Coromandel clubs (Whitianga Waka Ama, Te Whānau Waka Ama o Whangamatā, Hauraki Waka Ama, and Te Aputa Tira Hoe with support from Te Puku o Te Ika) united to deliver the event despite fierce winds and shifting conditions. One kaihoe was blown a kilometre off course but safely rescued. The course had to be revised mid-event, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the kaihoe and organisers alike.
Whitianga Waka Ama will never run a sanctioned event without the incredible support of Coast Guard and Surf Life Saving. Their dedication and expertise, alongside our volunteers, made this event not only possible but a massive success.
Looking Ahead
The Long-Distance Nationals put Whitianga firmly on the map for waka ama in Aotearoa. With competitors ranging from 14 years old to paddlers in their 70s, this sport truly is for everyone. Could it be for you?
If you’d like to give waka ama a go, join the Whitianga Waka Ama Facebook page or email: wakawhiti@gmail.com
Te Whitianga-a-Kupe* is a place of deep historical and cultural significance. In Part Two of this series, we’ll explore the traditions of waka ama and its rich history – stay tuned!
*This is the correct name, Te Whitianga-a-Kupe (because ‘te whitianga’ means ‘the crossing’, which is an action; therefore it is in the A category rather than the O category in te reo Māori).
Words by Mike Benett and Natalie Jones
