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Ōrewa Beach welcomed more than 1500 competitors, friends and whānau from across New Zealand last Thursday for the 2026 Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals. The four-day event saw competitors race across 8km to 25km distances.
Hosted by Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Region Outrigger Canoe Association (AROCA), in partnership with Waka Ama Aotearoa New Zealand, the championships opened with a pōwhiri and haka by Ngāti Rango and Ngāti Manuhiri as competitors and supporters gathered on the beach.
The pōwhiri also included a kawe mate for the late Māori rights activist Sharon Hawke, accompanied by her whānau, friends and members of Ngāti Whātua ki Ōrākei. Waka ama whānau were also encouraged to bring photographs or memories of loved ones who had passed.
AROCA chairperson Matt Appleyard said that the opportunity to host event in Ōrewa was a “real privilege”.
“We’re looking forward to showcasing Ōrewa and sharing what makes the community and Hibiscus Coast so special,” he said.
The Hibiscus Coast’s recently established, Ngā Hoe e Whā o Te Herenga Waka Ama Club took part in the championship, with Team Kākahi competing in a 24-kilometre mixed race on Friday afternoon.
Established in February (Hibiscus Matters, April 20), the club’s crew has spent seven months preparing, with early Saturday-morning paddles, Thursday-night sessions under lights, and off-water training, including weights, running and erg machines.
Club coach Lynda Newton said the team was looking forward to putting its preparation to the test.
“After months of hard mahi, we are ready to put together a performance we can be proud of. This campaign is as much about building a strong foundation for our club’s future as it is about the racing itself,” she said.
Team member Steve King said racing at home offered the chance to compete in front of family, friends and the wider community.
“It’s also a chance to share and showcase the beautiful coast we are lucky enough to call our local waters,” he said.
The crew brought varying levels of experience to the waka, but Darren Coe said working together had strengthened the team.
“Being part of a new club and helping build a crew from the ground up has made this journey even more rewarding. The commitment, camaraderie, and willingness to learn from one another have really brought us together,” he said.
Newton said Team Kākahi aimed to be competitive against its direct rivals in the 40+ age category. However, the club viewed its first campaign as a stepping stone for long-term growth.
The team finished with an impressive 2 hours and 40 minutes for the 24km race. While they didn’t get a podium finish, it marked the conclusion of the club’s first competition on the local stage.
