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.

Reminder to all teams wanting to compete in the final race of the paddler series this Saturday, entries close tonight so get your teams in quick or risk missing out. Contact your club coordinator to enter the team for you.

Team rosters must also be filled in or the team will be withdrawn from the event.

Clubs bringing waka please bring a waka trolley as there will not be any there at the venue, unless you wish to carry your waka to the water.

Lastly if there is anyone happy to volunteer for the event please contact Matai at hoetonga@gmail.com and just advise what race you can help with. We require an additional time keeper and safety checker.

Serveral clubs and paddlers would have received an email last week regarding Waka Ama New Zealands draft strategic plan 2021-2025 consultation on October 7th at 7pm via zoom. It would be great to get as many clubs and paddlers as possible to provide feedback.

You should have had a chance to view the strategic plan, if not visit the link below.

https://www.wakaama.co.nz/stories/read/1005353

If you are interested in joining the zoom meeting let Matai know via hoetonga@gmail.com for the zoom link.

For the last 12 months Ōtaki Waka Hoe coaches and senior paddlers have worked with Māori language expert – Hēni Jacob and the Hodges Whānau to develop a Māori language resource for waka ama communities beginning with our own here in Hoe Tonga. 
We invite all Hoe Tonga clubs to register for workshops in the coming months. There is no cost for participants. The workshop happens on the water but participants will also take away a kit of reo resources to use, wear and read. Ōtaki Waka Hoe Charitable Trust will provide waka and meals. We ask only that you bring a paddle and prepare to have fun and get wet!

The first wananga is on Sunday 18 October 2020. You can register via the link below

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAA6ZHG-Y3LvciJ_pDeHDXIVIzqIF9z1zsFxLJBzIo1WFRgw/viewform

For more information contact Roimata Baker at otakiwakahoe@gmail.com

Unfortunately in light of the government restrictions due to Covid 19, it has been decided that the 3rd race scheduled in Whanganui on September 5th will be cancelled.

Therefore the next race of the Hoe Tonga Paddler Series will be hosted at the Manawatu Boating Club at Foxton Beach on October 17th. This event is still currently being planned and organised and more information regarding this event will come in due course.

This race will also be the last race of the series. Prize giving will be done at the boat club after the conclusion of the final race

A reminder to all clubs and paddlers that when going out a night you must have a all round white light on the vessel that is 1 meter about the highest point of the canoe. This is so other craft can clearly see you both close and afar.

This also serves as a good opportunity to remind everyone that there must be a life jacket (Which fits) for each person on the waka and at least one form of communication. This is for everyones safety.

Any questions about your requirements while on the water get in touch with your local Harbour Master.

Last week at our Annual General Meeting Hoe Tonga welcomed three new people onto the board which was unanimously voted by our club reps.

Matt Ammunson-Fyall: (Nominated by Hikoikoi Waka Ama Club)

Matt was a member of the Hikoikoi Committee where he supported the Committee in managing the governance and administrative tasks of the Club.  As part of his role he helped promote the sport and supported local events by volunteering in different roles.  Matt also put his own time into coaching some of the school teams.

Given his passion with waka ama, the networks he has already built, and his experience in event planning, building strong relationships and a willingness to help the sport grow, we believe Matt would be a great addition to the Board of Hoe Tonga.

Pania Tahau-Hodges: (Nominated by Porirua Canoe and Kayak Club)

Pania is kind and compassionate and the knowledge and experience she has for waka ama includes representing NZ in the open woman at worlds level winning the Silver and Bronze, and NZ National Championships long and sprints level winning Gold, Silver and Bronze. Her kindness to PCKC paddlers have always been open and supporting in any role she takes to support waka ama and her club PCKC.

Her expertise in areas for development and skills comes with professional and experience to help lever ideas and goals to reality.

Paddy Rimene: (Nominated by Wairarapa Waka Ama Canoe Club)

• Role Model, Leader
• Passionate about Waka Ama
• Building tuakana teina
• Building Relationship for the growth of Waka Ama in Wairarapa.
• Owner/Operator to Teamrims Ltd to deliver Waka Ama
• Delivering Level 4 Cert in Waka Ama
• Delivering Level 2 Credits in our Colleges.
• Going over and above to build Waka Ama in Wairarapa
• Relationships to our schools Primary to Secondary

We are enthusiastic to have all three people on board and looking forward to see what great things we can all do for Waka Ama across the region.