Tai Kotuku Shines at the 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals

Tai Kotuku Waka Ama Club once again made our rohe proud at the 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals, joining more than 4,500 paddlers aged 5 to 85+ at the largest waka ama event ever held at Lake Karāpiro. With crowds topping 10,000 spectators, this year’s Nationals also served as qualifiers for the 2026 World Sprint Championships in Singapore.

Despite the scale of the competition, Tai Kotuku paddlers stood tall. From first‑time competitors to returning crews smashing personal bests, and seasoned haukāinga paddlers reaching the podium. Their performances reflect the depth of talent in Te Tai Tokerau and the strength of our community behind them.

A major highlight this year was ten haukāinga paddlers qualifying to represent Te Tai Tokerau across W1 and W12 divisions. 

We proudly celebrate our haukāinga athletes who have earned their place on the world stage, qualifying their team to represent Aotearoa at the 2026 World Sprint Championships in Singapore:

• GMM 70+: Hone Harawene, Richard Ferguson, Ngati Tana, David Owen and Garry Paul.

• GMM 60+ (Tai Kotuku – Team Maroro): Danger Clarke, George Faalogo, Jeffery Garrod, John Leath, Marty LeRoy, Rob Painting

• GMW 60+: Moana Eruera & Henrietta Sakey

• SMW 50+: Dale Harding

• J19 Women: Jessie Davis

• J16 Women: Ko Te Temepara (Tiwai) Apiata

This remarkable spread — from Junior 16 to Golden Master 70+ — reflects the intergenerational strength of waka ama. Waitangi will see these athletes training hard through winter as they prepare to take on the world.

An extra‑special acknowledgement goes to Ko Te Temepara (Tiwai) Apiata and Jessie Davis, who represented Aotearoa at the World Long Distance Championships in Brazil, bringing home Silver, conceding only to Tahiti. Their success places our small rohe proudly on the global waka ama map.

The future is bright. Bay of Islands College returns for its second year at the Waka Ama Secondary Schools Nationals this March. Our rangatahi continue to step forward with confidence, representing our community with pride.

To every paddler, coach, volunteer, supporter, and whānau member — ngā mihi nui. Tai Kotuku continues to soar.