Please see the link below for the W1 500m ranking in each division. The highlighted names have sealed a confirmed quota spot at the National Sprints. The next two fastest in each division will be added to the waitlist so keep training just in case if you just missed out.

W1 Quota Rankings.

We would also like to announce the Regional W12 who will be representing Hoe Tonga at the Waka Ama National Sprint 2021.

Hoe Tonga Wahine

1. Megan Gardiner
2. Steph Gardiner
3. Ngahuia Henara
4. Brittany Marquet
5. Amiria Salzmann
6. Kawai Winiata
7. Marama Elkington
8. Te Rangihuia Henare
9. Rachel Kingi
10. Ka Awatea Paul
11. Kyra Mita
12. Hitira’a Tahau Hodges

Hoe Tonga Tane

1. Turi Hodges
2. Koroiti Tuiau Tongia
3. Dom Scahill
4. Parekoihu Taiapa
5. Pa Taikato
6. Eric Waterson
7. Tremaine Rimene-Albrett
8. Joern Scherzer
9. Joe Nuku
10. Hoani Akavi
11. Nathaniel Cashell
12. Wairehu Toman

Congratulations to all those selected. Keep training hard and see you all the the Nationals.

The Regional Sprints for 2020 has come to an end and what an amazing two weekends we had. Thank you to all our volunteers, supporters and kaihoe for making this event possible. It was quieter this year compared to other years however you couldn’t tell once racing started.

For the full results of the first and second weekend follow the link below. Congratulations to all those who achieved a placing.

Weekend 1 (W1)

Weekend 2 (W6/W12)

Special congratulations goes to two clubs who won the club trophies.

First trophy is the club excellence trophy. This is awarded to the club who accumulates the most points for their club based on the champ finals across all divisions. The winner of this award for 2020 is Porirua Canoe and Kayak Club.

The second trophy is the James Hapeta Trophy for club spirit. This is awarded to the club who demonstrates the best club spirit throughout the entire event. This is judged by the officials. In is based on a club’s sportsmanship, help towards running of the event, listening to instruction and best uniform. This year we have a new winner who is Ratana Pā Kaihoe Trust.

A new event sponsorship for lower North Island waka ama events scheduled for the next two weekends will help contribute to growing the number of people involved in the sport.

The sponsorship by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa will provide support for the Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association (Hoe Tonga), which is hosting its W1 Regional Sprints competition at Henley Lake Park in Masterton this weekend, with the W6 competition at the same venue next weekend.

Hoe Tonga is the organisation representing waka ama in the lower North Island and has a vision to see more people participating, enjoying and achieving in waka ama.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kairuruku hauora Brendon Morgan says Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is excited to be supporting the regional sprints competition with Hoe Tonga.   

“Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is a big supporter of waka ama and our participation at the regionals is aimed at growing awareness and participation in the kaupapa, especially here in the lower North Island,” he says.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa provides the Level 4 Certificate in Waka programme in Masterton. The programme develops students’ confidence and skills in tikanga waka, along with teaching, water safety, waka types, history and traditions, tikanga Māori and whakapapa. Students also complete the Coastguard Boating Education Day Skipper qualification.

“Together with Hoe Tonga, we hold the steering hoe (paddle) together in this event and we are proud to support the whānau this weekend and the ongoing growth of Waka Ama in the region.”

For more information on this weekend’s competition, go to: https://hoetonga.co.nz/2020/10/20/hoe-tonga-regional-sprints-2020/

Anyone that is wanting to fundraise (e.g sausage sizzles, hangi) please email hoetonga@gmail.com. This is so we can inform the local council of any food that may be sold at the event and to ensure we have a variety of options available on the day.

First in first serve bases on what you are wanting to offer. Please advise who will be the main contact of the stall. Please send your request through by Nov 13 (This Friday)

With the Hoe Tonga Regional Sprints coming up in a few weeks we require the support of as many people as possible.

If you are attending the regionals this year as a supporter/parent or a paddler competing on only one or two races we would love your help. Therefore we are asking for anyone who will be happy to volunteer to be one of our officials at the event.

Roles include,

1. Registration/admin
2. Marshalling
3. Start line official
4. Finish line/timekeeper
5. Flag boat starter
6. Loading bay.

Any one that is able to assist please contact Matai either via email hoetonga@gmail.com or by mobile 0221037755.

Please indicate what day you are available (Nov 21st, Nov 28th or Nov 29th) and if you are happy to help in the morning, afternoon or full day.

Once again contact Matai hoetonga@gmail.com or 0221037755

Anyone that found a paddle on Saturday after racing please contact hoetonga@gmail.com. It has pink writing on the blade and Mezza on the handle.

Some photos and results of the event will be posted tomorrow.