Good weather – despite a less-than-favourable forecast – and a “fantastic turnout” in the circumstances ensured last Saturday’s Whāingaroa Hoe went off without a hitch, say organisers of what has become the longest-standing and largest club-run iron waka ama event in the country.
With 110 teams of six on the water this year, the 27th annual hoe had a great atmosphere and got really positive feedback, says local club committee chair Sarah Harihari.
While overall numbers were down on last time – mostly thanks to talk of a weather bomb hitting the country – the multi-generational event still attracted no fewer than 660 paddlers from Northland to Wellington.
Crews competed in three races up and down the harbour, one of 8km for juniors and opens and then two of 20km, the first for women’s or mixed teams and the final event for men’s.
Grandchildren, parents and grandparents participated in the hoe, club secretary Debbie Phillips-Morgan told the Chronicle. It was lovely to see people of all ages involved, she said, with juniors through to golden masters represented in the different divisions.
Camaraderie and competitiveness go hand in hand, she added, the event embracing as it does the concept of manaakitanga.
Both Raglan waka – the J16 and the novice teams – were lucky to place second and third respectively in their divisions on the day, while local powerhouse Kaitawhiti Kereopa was part of the Aotearoa 2023 NZ V6 Elite J19 men’s team as an exhibition race.
The race base at Te Kopua boat ramp was alive with music, good vibes, and a coffee cart for families and competitors. Spectators also lined the walk bridge, jetty, and Cliff St, while Raglan wharf was another good vantage point from which to cheer the teams on.
At day’s end the Chrissy Herbert memorial trophy for first women’s waka to cross the line in the 20km race was awarded to Haeata Mama’s masters team, while the Piripi Kereopa memorial trophy for first men’s waka over the line went to the Turangawaewae senior masters team.
Whāingaroa Whanau Hoe Waka Ama Club is grateful for event sponsorship from a multitude of Raglan businesses and for support out on the water from local boaties and Aotearoa Water Patrol, which had three jet skis helping on the day.
By Edith Symes
