More than 30 Whaingaroa paddlers competed under the Te Toki Voyaging Trust at the Waka Ama National Sprint Championships at Lake Karāpiro in January, bringing home medals and showcasing their talent on the national stage.
Among the standout performances, the Taitamāhine U10 team, Karioi Kaha, won gold in the W12 250m, partnering with Te Toki Voyaging Trust’s W6 champions. Team members Ngaikea Bell, Georgia Falconer, Waipunarangi Elliot-Rooney, Kora Wahanga-Barber, Jeannine Ioaba, and steersperson/coach Conan Herbert topped a competitive division of 17 teams.
In the Intermediate Girls category, Matawhā—Aliana Lucas, Hana Herbert, Rereata Greensil, Manawa Hawkings, Te Reia Forbes, and Mahlie Clark—claimed bronze in the W12 500m, also racing alongside a Te Toki Voyaging Trust team.
The boys’ squad, including two J16 and two Intermediate Boys teams, welcomed many new paddlers this season. As some of the youngest in their divisions, they trained hard over summer and showed strong potential for future competitions.
Looking ahead, the older paddlers are now focused on preparing for the Waka Ama Long Distance National Championships in Wellington this April.
