We are pleased to announce entries are now open for the 2026 Hoe Tonga Pacifica Regional Sprint Champs. This event will be held at Henley Lake in Masterton, with W6 races taking place on Saturday 5th and W1 races on Sunday 6th December.
Club coordinators can process entries online in the Members Area of the Waka Ama NZ website. All kaihoe must be affiliated and verified members of their club and Waka Ama NZ for the 2026-2027 season in order to be entered. All entries close on Friday 27 November at 11.59pm.
- Pānui – key event information
- View all event entries here
Volunteer Registration Form: The rapid growth of our regional sprints event relies heavily on the efforts of our incredible waka ama community. Kaitūao get the chance to experience first-hand the mahi involved in running a large-scale event and take their new skills back to their clubs. Each club is required to register two volunteers to support the event, although anyone who is keen to tautoko can sign up!
2027 Sprint Nationals Entries: If your club intends on competing at Lake Karapiro next year, you must get your entries submitted by Sunday 22 November 11:59pm. (Those that qualify for the Hoe Tonga W1 quota and W12 will be entered upon completion of our regional sprints event, and are unaffected by this date)
Safety Notice for W1 / OC1 waka: In accordance with the new NZ national maritime law introduced on October 9, 2026, all waka used to compete in this event must be measured beforehand to ensure full safety compliance. All paddlers using a waka that measures 6 metres or under from ihu to kei (bow to stern), is required by law to wear a properly fitted lifejacket or PFD at all times while racing. No exceptions.
If you have any pātai, send them through to hoetonga@gmail.com
