Latest news with #Waka

NZ Herald
23-04-2025
- NZ Herald
Far North news in brief: Far North iwi co-chair; waka ama nationals and Metalfest addition
Police are investigating an alleged robbery in Kaingaora on Sunday evening. Police were called to Church Rd at 5.45pm. After following lines of inquiry, police identified and found four alleged offenders. Four young people were due to appear in Kaitāia Youth Court this week. Waka ama nationals Three teams from Te Tai Tokerau will take place in the Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals from today until Sunday, in Porirua. Nga Hoe Horo Outrigger Canoe Club, from Kaitāia, Tirohanga Waka Ama, Kawakawa and Mitamitaga o le Pasefika Va'a-alo Canoe Club, Whangārei are among 59 clubs from around the country taking part in Wellington. The event at Ngāti Toa Domain will host 1050 paddlers competing on a circuit racecourse 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. Far North assault Police were called to reports of a serious assault in Te Tapui Rd, Matauri Bay, on Sunday evening. One person was arrested but there were no reports of injuries. Health staff backpay Health NZ Te Whatu Ora has paid $31.1 million in Holidays Act backpay to current Te Tai Tokerau staff. The remediation payment was needed because staff were not paid correctly for their holidays since 2010. A total of 3776 Northland nurses, doctors, allied health staff, healthcare assistants, cleaners and administrators were paid the remediation last week. Former workers are expected to be paid by the end of the year.


FACT
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Waka promises a Polynesian poolside paradise in Ras Al Khaimah
This new restaurant is located within Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort. Ras Al Khaimah has long been a go-to spot for UAE residents looking to hit reset. Whether it's a relaxing weekend staycation or a quick escape from city life, the emirate is known to deliver. And now, there's one more reason to make your way up north. Get ready to indulge in Polynesian cuisine at Waka. Located within the recently opened Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, Waka finds a scenic spot between Ras Al Khaimah's largest pool and the sea. This island-inspired retreat promises a memorable meal that's packed with fire and flavour for the ultimate Polynesian experience. Waka translates to canoe, giving a nod to Polynesia's seafaring legacy, which represents exploration, sustainability and a connection with the ocean. And from the moment you walk in, you'll be whisked away to a journey of the senses. The design and decor feature influences from across the Polynesian archipelagos — with a bit of South and Central American flair. A mix of black and white woven rattan furnishings and drums doubling up as seats tie the space together – think Moana vibes all around. As the sun sets, Waka's beach terrace comes alive with live music, fire dancers and Tiki-inspired cocktails to elevate the evening. A Cuban Duo sets the mood with their soulful sounds, followed by DJ Timo taking over the deck. The menu at Waka takes you on a culinary cruise. Expect ceviches, seafood salads, and slow-roasted meats, including Roasted Seabass, Char-Grilled Octopus and Sticky Lamb Chops, to grab your tastebuds with flavour. Complimenting these dishes will be the cocktails, featuring the likes of Mai Tai, Margarita, Piña Colada and much more. Waka promises a culinary journey in Ras Al Khaimah, blending Polynesian flavours with a unique dining atmosphere. So, if you're craving something fresh, this is the spot you won't want to miss. GO: Visit for more information.


Buzz Feed
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
The Internet Is Heavily Divided After Rapper Waka Flocka Shared His Controversial Opinion On This Hypothetical Family Scenario
Rapper Waka Flocka unintentionally caused a heated debate online after sharing his views on a popular hypothetical question. To me, Waka will always be known as the artist who helped shape my college experience by creating my friend group's theme song for those years with " No Hands." But after a recent interview on the It's Giving Podcast with Sarah Fontenot, he'll be known for stirring up the emotions of a lot of audience members who disagree with his opinion on this circumstantial scenario. Sarah asked the Atlanta rapper, "Scenario: You're on a boat in the middle of the ocean with your wife and your child — a young child. Both of them get lodged into the water..." and before she could even finish, Waka replied, "My wife." "You're gonna save your wife? Why?" she asked. "Yeah, that's my wife. I loved my wife before I loved my child. How the fuck could I choose my child over something or someone that created you," he answered. Although Waka is currently single without any biological children of his own, he did help raise his stepdaughter with his ex-wife Tammy Rivera, while they were dating and during their marriage between 2014-2022. He continued to double down on his response saying, "respectfully," he'd just have to create another child. "I cannot make the same woman I loved. It's impossible. You can't play with love." The host enthusiastically agreed but revealed she received a ton of comments from people saying that she only felt that way because she isn't a mother yet. Well, in the famous words of journalist and TV host, John Quiñones, what would you do? Heidi Gutman / ABC Tell me why you answered the way you did in the comments! And if you want to see what else was discussed on the It's Giving Podcast with Waka Flocka, you can watch the full interview below: View this video on YouTube


BBC News
20-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Whipsnade Zoo 'overjoyed' as lion cubs increase pride to 10
A zoo has welcomed the arrival of four newborn lion cubs, which has boosted the size of its pride to litter of rare northern African lions was the second batch to be born recently at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, after three arrived in manager Sarah McGregor said keepers were "overjoyed to have a second litter" and described the cubs as "precious additions to the breeding programme".The zoo said African lion populations were declining in the wild as a result of farming, housing, hunting and resource extraction. When the new cubs are 10 weeks old their sexes will be confirmed at health checks and their names will be lion enclosure at the Bedfordshire zoo stood empty for a while after keepers had to put its two remaining lions to sleep in 2022 due to "age-related conditions".In summer 2023 lionesses Waka and Winta arrived along with male lion Malik, who are now all three years 25 November Winta gave birth to three cubs; two male and one female. Waka's litter of four arrived on 23 January, with keepers watching the birth remotely via a hidden "cubcam". Ms McGregor said: "Lions are highly sociable animals and enjoy living in large groups. "The youngsters will grow up side-by-side with their half-siblings, and I'm sure they'll love having an abundance of playmates."She said Waka and Winta would share parental duties, as lions in the wild would."While Waka and her cubs may be keeping warm and cosy indoors for a little bit longer, visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of their trio of half-siblings racing around the paddock this Easter," she added. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.