Aotearoa Waka Ama champs set for Porirua
Photo:
supplied
The Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals
Thursday April 24th Sunday 27th
Porirua, Wellington.
A crew of more than 1000 paddlers will be on Wellington waters this week as they chase a spot in the world champs in Brazil later this year.
The Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals will bring 1050 paddlers from 59 clubs across Aotearoa to Ngāti Toa Domain with racing taking place on the waters of Pari-ā-Rua (Porirua).
The meet doubles as a qualifying event for the upcoming 2025 International Va'a Federation World Distance Championship to be held in Brazil in August.
Waka Ama NZ CEO, Lara Collins said Porirua acts as a prime paddling spot.
"Our Long Distance Nationals changes location annually, offering our distance paddlers an opportunity to paddler all across Aotearoa in some great locations", says
Paddlers will take to the waters and compete on a circuit race course completing distances of 8km, 16km, or 24km depending on their respective divisions.
The event includes paddlers from J16 up to Master 75, inclusive of adaptive paddlers.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero
,
a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
Tennis: Erin Routliffe goes back to back at Cincinnati Open
Erin Routliffe (left) and Gaby Dabrowski. Photo: MATTHEW STOCKMAN New Zealand tennis star Erin Routliffe has won back to back doubles titles at the Cincinnati Open. Last year the Kiwi won the WTA 1000 tournament with Asia Muhammad, while this year she repeated that feat with her regular partner Gaby Dabrowski. It is the first time Routliffe and Dabrowski have won a WTA 1000 title together and is their second title together this year. In the final Routliffe and Dabrowski defeated Guo Hanyu from China and Russia's Alexandra Panova 6-4 6-3, in a match that lasted one hour and 20 minutes. The Kiwi/Canadian team got the only break of serve in the opening set of the final and in the second set they broke their opponents three times. It was Routliffe and Dabrowski back to their best and the Canadian, who was dealing with breast cancer this time last year, gave an emotional speech at the trophy presentation. "Exactly one year ago, I was going through radiation treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville," Dabrowski said. "Erin's best friend, Asia Muhammed, stepped in and played this tournament and they took the title, which was really fun to watch them do from afar. "But I feel very fortunate to be able to compete this week and fill some very big shoes, Asia's shoes. So it's been super special to compete here alongside Erin." Routliffe paid tribute to all of those who had supported her and Dabrowski. "Our team, of course, everyone here and everyone watching back at home or wherever they are in the world, we have so many people behind us," Routliffe said. "It really does take a village to make us who we are and to give us the success that we have." Routliffe then spoke to her long-time doubles partner. "Gaby, we have had a rough year and we've stuck together. I think this title means a lot to both of us," she said. Routliffe and Dabrowski next head to Monterrey, Mexico for one more tournament before the US Open begins on 24th August. Meanwhile, New Zealand singles player Lulu Sun has also been in action in Monterrey, advancing from qualifying into the main draw. The Kiwi defeated France's Diane Parry 6-4 7-6(5) in the final round of qualifying on Monday morning, setting up a rematch with Czech player Linda Noskova. The two met in last year's Monterrey final, which was Sun's first appearance in a WTA final, with Noskova winning 7-6(6) 6-4. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
24-07-2025
- RNZ News
Black Caps remain unbeaten in Tri-Series
New Zealand's Ish Sodhi. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ The Black Caps beat Zimbabwe by 60 runs in the sixth match of the T20 Tri-Series in Harare to remain unbeaten at the tournament with four wins from four games. New Zealand take on South Africa in the final on Saturday night at the same ground. Batting first against Zimbabwe the Black Caps posted 190 for 6 with opener Tim Seifert top scoring with 75. Tim Seifert. Photo: PHOTOSPORT Rachin Ravindra scored a half century, out for 63, with Michael Bracewell contributing an unbeaten 26. Seifert hit nine fours and one six and took just 45 balls to score his 75 with a strike rate of 166.7. In reply, Zimbabwe, winless so far in the tournament, were all out for 130 in the 19th over. Tony Munyonga was the host's top scorer with 40. Spinner Ish Sodhi was the pick of the Black Caps bowlers taking four wickets for 12 runs from four overs, claiming his 150th T20I scalp in the process. Pace bowler Matt Henry bagged two wickets with Zak Foulkes, Will O'Rourke and Michael Bracewell taking one wicket each. New Zealand top the standings ahead of South Africa with Zimbabwe last following four defeats. The Black Caps have already beaten South Africa twice in the earlier rounds of the Tri-Series. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
18-07-2025
- RNZ News
Ōtara teen paddler set to represent NZ in Brazil
In his element: Lochlan Sa'olotoga Te'o glides across the water. Photo: Supplied/LDR Ōtara teen Lochlan Sa'olotoga Te'o is heading to Brazil after being selected for the Aotearoa J19 men's waka ama team and will represent New Zealand at the Waka Ama World Distance Championships in Rio de Janeiro this August. The 13-year-old was stunned when he received the news of his selection. "I was shocked. I was the youngest at trial... but I knew I had the potential because of all the hard work I've put in," Te'o says. "I'm really excited to go to Brazil. Representing New Zealand is an amazing achievement. Getting to compete with my team on the international stage will be something I'll never forget." A Year 9 student at St Peter's College and a recent recipient of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Excellence Award, the young paddler first discovered waka ama at a school "have a go" day when he was just eight and fell in love with the sport. His journey received a valuable boost through the local board's award, which supports locals pursuing excellence. The grant helped cover the cost of a specialist paddle used exclusively by the national team. "It's pretty cool," Te'o says. "You have to be in the New Zealand team to get that paddle. I'm proud I get to use it." Lochlan Sa'olotoga Te'o with his biggest supporters - parents Caragh and Chris, and little brother Harrison. Photo: Supplied/LDR For his mother, Caragh Doherty, the achievement reflects years of sacrifice, early morning training, and belief in her son's dream. "We always heard waka could take you around the world. Now we're seeing that," she says. "But it comes with crazy expenses. We're not in a position to travel with him, but with help from friends, family and the local board, we were able to raise the funds he needed to get there. "It's not just the Excellence Award. The whole family worked hard. There's a lot of time and effort behind the scenes." Doherty initially hesitated to apply, unsure whether her son would be chosen. Now, she wants other families to know that support is available. "Don't shy away thinking it's not for you. It's there to be used. Just apply and let the board decide if it's for you or not. Just go for it." On Lochlan receiving the award, she adds, "I know the local board does amazing things, and I've seen that firsthand. But it was just awesome to get this opportunity to be recognised on a community level for his achievements. To have them backing him was pretty cool, I thought, and putting their trust in him and the kaupapa that he's part of." Doherty says getting Te'o and his team to Brazil was a major effort, even with some support from Waka Ama NZ. Lochlan Sa'olotoga Te'o, bottom right, with his teammates at their kākahu presentation last weekend. Photo: Waka Ama NZ via LDR Lochlan said what he is most looking forward to is racing with his teammates on the world stage. "The thing I'm most looking forward to in Brazil is competing, competing on an international stage with some of my friends and my teammates." He trains with the Takapuna-based Pineula Waka Ama Club and says balancing school, training, and study has been challenging but worthwhile. "There are definitely struggles with waking up really early before school, then training after school, then coming home and studying. But my family makes it all possible." He feels proud to represent both Sāmoa and Scotland in a team made up of Māori boys from across the motu. "It's cool to know I'll be representing Sāmoa too," he says. For others inspired by his journey, Te'o says, "If you really want to achieve something, never give up. Put your head down and work hard. Don't let what anyone says stop you." From left: Lochlan Sa'olotoga Te'o with his St Peter's Waka Ama team. Photo: Supplied/LDR Lotu Fuli, councillor for the Manukau ward, said initiatives like the Excellence Award can transform lives in South Auckland. "That's really good news, and I really commend the local board. I think those Excellence Awards were started for that very reason, to recognise that sometimes council's own processes are a barrier. The Excellence Awards offer a faster way for individuals, groups and sportspeople to apply and get that extra funding. "We know a lot of our young people, and our community in general, are talented and creative, but they often lack resources. In other areas, that's not the case. But here in South Auckland, that lack of resourcing is real. Without scholarships like this, many of our young champions wouldn't be able to go overseas. "Over the years, that fund has supported people to represent us at the UN, in sports around the world, at conferences, leadership camps. Even NASA. The Youth Hub benefited from that fund to go to NASA. It's a really awesome initiative, and I absolutely commend the local board for continuing that important mahi," she says. "My prayers go out to the young person going to Brazil. We'll all be cheering them on and hoping for the best." Apulu Reece Autagavaia, chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, says the fund was created exactly for stories like Te'o's. "The local board is proud to support locals who are excelling on the world stage. Too often, outsiders underestimate us. These awards recognise and celebrate that we are beating the odds and thriving at the top of our chosen fields." The Excellence Award offers grants ranging from $500 to $2000. Elected members award the funds based on how the applicant's success can benefit and inspire others. Lochlan Sa'olotoga Te'o, a rising waka ama paddler, is at home on the water. Photo: Supplied/LDR Applications for the next round of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Excellence Award are now open on the Auckland Council website. Locals must apply at least eight weeks before their event date. Visit for more details. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
