Author Archives: hoetonga

President’s report 09/10

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This is my first report as President of Hoe Tonga and I am pleased to report that during 2009/10 Hoe Tonga has seen progress and a number of achievements.

Races

The quality of race organisation has continually improved over the last few years. Notably, in 2009/2010 Hoe Tonga races for the first time utilised computer technology used at the Waka Ama Nationals to run key races. Hoe Tonga has also invested in some key resources such as radios to run races more effectively. Of course there is still significant room for improvement and Hoe Tonga, with the help of paddlers and supporters, will need to work on those during 2010/11.

The number of regular races has also increased. The region now sees three regional events and championships organised by Hoe Tonga (W1, W6 and secondary schools), in addition to two regular series (with 6 six races each) organised by individuals, and at least one regular club event. This means that paddlers can now get on the water and compete at least once a month in the Hoe Tonga region. While the region is still lacking a major event in the summer months that draws in the top teams from the North, without more volunteers this situation is unlikely to change in the short term.

Many of you will have noticed higher registration fees at the regional W1 and W6 Sprints. Some view them as unfair but it is important to keep in mind that races are run on a cost recovery basis and fees are kept as low as possible. Junior paddlers continue to get subsidised through lower fees. Without race fees it is not possible to provide paddlers with the well-run events they deserve; and feedback from paddlers through various surveys suggest that paddlers would like the quality of races to improve further.

Strategic plan

Hoe Tonga was the first region in New Zealand to embark on the process to develop a strategic plan so as to be clear where we want to go and how we are planning to get there. Its key objective is the growth and development of Waka Ama in the region. The strategic plan was adopted at the last AGM in 2009 and during 2009/10 we commenced its implementation.

As planned we have revised the constitution and improved the website (now updated at least weekly) to improve information provision. Hoe Tonga has also invested in better resources to improve the running of races.

Having said that, much work remains to be done and progress is relatively slow. For instance, work in the future will need to focus on key challenges such as

  • enabling investment into equipment and volunteers (through increasing the financial resources available to Hoe Tonga), and
  • better coordination of Waka Ama in secondary schools in the region.

As with many things, many hands make little work and I invite paddlers and supporters to assist in any way they can.

Finances

Hoe Tonga’s finances are in healthy state. However, Hoe Tonga’s income is still very limited (i.e. affiliation and race fees). Unfortunately there is no income yet from important funding sources such as sponsors or community funding organisations. This in turn limits our ability to fulfil our aspirations.

During next year and the years ahead it will be important to broaden the funding base. This in turn will enable us to consider investments in a number of areas, including administration support, support of high performance paddlers, regional development and coaching programmes and better equipment.

Many challenges remain but I am confident that together we can overcome them. I am looking forward to the next year.

Joern Scherzer
President
Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association

ENDS

Hoe Tonga AGM, new executive

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Hoe Tonga held its annual general meeting on 6 September.

At the meeting, Hoe Tonga adopted a revised constitution and the executive presented its annual reports.

At the meeting the election of executive officers also took place. The executive for 2010/11 is as follows:

  • President: Jörn Scherzer
  • Vice-President: Chris Fox
  • Secretary: Mere Elkington
  • Treasurer: Len Tamapeau
  • NKOA representative: Marinna Millanta-Lowrey

Congratulations to the executive officers.

Many many thanks to outgoing officers Samantha Tamanui and Averalle Paenga for their hard work and commitment during their tenure. Both had served on the executive for a number of years.

ENDS

Results and winners W1 Harbour Series Final Race 6, 4 September

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This was it for 2010, and again a great turnout with 20 paddlers on the line. As in race 3 and 4, the race start was a Mana to Pa Point and back again, a distance of 9.7km.

Congratulations to Piki Emery for taking out the series this year. He completed the series with 12 points, the maximum possible, earning him a brandnew camelbak. Grant Barribal followed with 8 points, and in third came Anita Taggart with 7 points.

There were also 9 spot prices: 2x beach towels, 1x sunscreen, 3x Horleys rehydration packs, a $20 cash price, and 2x coca cola packs. Congratulations to the winners: Sandy Winterton, Thomas Tawhiri, Ricky Kopa, Mereana Hodges, Anita Taggart, Willie Kaperly, Turi, and Selena Katene.

Well done.

W1
Jack Wormald 54:17 Open (2 points as at least three in division)
Jörn Scherzer, 56:31 Open (1 point)
Taawhana Chadwick 57:15 Open (1 point)
Piki Emery 58:04 W1 SNR Master (2 points as at least three in same/lower division)
Bjorn Agnew 59:40 Open (1 point)
Christopher Church 1:00:34 Open (1 point)
James Sadler 1:00:34 Master (2 points, as at least three in division)
Willie Kappely 1:00:48:12 Master (1 point)
Mereana Hodges 1:02:24 Master W (2 points, as at least three in same/lower division)
Royce Gray 1:03:10 SNR Master (1 point)
Tina Kearns 1:03:14 Master W (1 point)
Anita Taggart 1:04:12 Master W (1 point)
Terry Gardiner 1:04:21 Master (1 point)
Kris Dahl 1:05:34 Master W (1 point)
Selena Katene 1:09:05 Master W (1 point)
Chris Fox DNF  SNR Master W (1 point)
Dave Ryde DNF Master M (1 point)

Ski, Multisport & Seakayak

Sandy Winterton 55:31 Ski (1 point)
Iain Gillies 55:53 Ski (1 point)

Here the final results:

Name Age group / Cat I II III IV V VI Total
Piki Emery SNR Master M 2 2 2 2 2 2 12
Grant Barribal Master M 0 2 2 2 2 0 8
Anita Taggart SNR Master W 0 2 2 2 0 1 7
Jörn Scherzer Open M 1 1 2 2 0 1 7
Mereana Hodges Master W 0 2 0 0 1 2 5
Royce Gray SNR Master M 1 1 1 0 1 1 5
Willie Kappely Master M 1 1 1 0 1 1 5
Jack Wormald Open M 0 0 0 0 2 2 4
Chris Fox SNR Master W 0 1 0 0 2 1 4
Dave Ryde Master M 0 0 1 1 1 1 4
Selena Katene Master W 0 0 2 0 1 1 4
James Sadler Master M 0 1 0 1 0 2 4
Ray Kearns Open M 0 1 1 1 1 0 4
Tyler Maxwell Open M Surfski 0 1 1 0 2 0 4
Bjorn Agnew Open M 0 0 1 1 0 1 3
Kris Dahl Master W 0 0 1 1 0 1 3
Ricky Kopa Open M 0 0 1 0 1 1 3
Sandy Winterton Open M Surfski 0 0 0 1 1 1 3
Taawhana Chadwick Open M 0 1 0 0 1 1 3
Terry Gardner Master M 0 0 0 1 1 1 3
Tina Kearns Master W 0 1 0 1 0 1 3
Paddy Rimene Open M 0 0 1 1 1 0 3
Iain Gillies Open M Surfski 0 0 0 0 1 1 2
Chester Burt Open M Surfski 0 0 0 1 1 0 2
Kemara JNR 16 M 1 0 1 0 0 0 2
Marty McDowell Open M Surfski 0 0 0 2 0 0 2
Matt Archer Multisport 0 0 0 0 2 0 2
Rota Taiatini Master M 0 0 0 1 1 0 2
Thomas Tawhiri Master M 0 0 0 1 1 0 2
Chris Church Open M 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Andrew Cary Open M Surfski 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Brent Harrison Multisport 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Craig Jones Multisport 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
David Robinson Open M Surfski 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Doug Master M 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Eru Ruwhiu Master M 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Fahina Tulepu Open M 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Frank Timoti Master M 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
George Faalogo Master M 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Jack Manners Open M Surfski 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Joe Nuku Open M 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Kelvin Solomon Master M 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Mike Open M Surfski 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Mike Colenso-Mita Master M 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Nicky Open W Surfski 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Nigel Baker Master M 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Pania Open W 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Pete Notman Sea Kayak 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Sarah Snow SNR Master W 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Trent Luka Open M Surfski 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Turi Open M Surfski 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Turi Jnr Tulepu JNR 16 M 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Thanks for all the support. See you at the first race of the Welly Paddlers Series run by Chester on Sept 26.

ENDS

W1 Harbour Series (Final), SATURDAY, 4 September, at Mana – NOTE CHANGE OF DATE DUE TO WEATHER

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The W1 Harbour Series (VI & FINAL) on 4 September will be run from Mana.

NOTE THAT THE DATE FOR THIS EVENT HAS CHANGED FROM SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER TO SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER DUE TO THE WEATHER FORECAST.

The weather forecast is for gale force winds on Sunday but calm conditions on Saturday morning. It has therefore been decided to shift the event. Apologies for any inconvenience. Let’s hope the weather forecast is correct!

Time: meet at 9.15am, race start at 10am

Distance: ~ 10km

Safety: Paddlers are to ensure that they carry all necessary safety gear, i.e. life jacket, bailer, and are trained in basic self-rescue techniques!

Cost: $2 and your enthusiasm, money goes towards price for the paddler with the most points but winning isn’t the only way to gain points.

FYI, points to give away:

  • 1 point for attendance
  • 1 point for a win (if at least three paddlers in same/lower/higher division)

The main price is a a brandnew blue wave camelbak. There will also be additional spot prices handed out following the race so stick around for a few minutes after the event.

Purpose: This event is for those looking for some competition and for those wanting to spice up their W1 training sessions.

Paddling craft: The series is intended for W1 but the event is open to all paddling craft. The series runs during the Winter season between May and September. Note that the Surfski and Waka Ama Series runs between October and March.

Race notices / change of venue: announced via http://www.hoetonga.co.nz (The venue is normally confirmed on Friday before the race, check http://www.hoetonga.co.nz for race notices.)

If you have any questions, please contact Jörn Scherzer @ 021-1250997.

ENDS

Mana Island Challenge 2010: results and photos

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Kia Orana Koutou Katoatoa,

The Mana Island Challenge was held in variable conditions on Saturday 28 August but this didn’t dampen the spirits of those who attended the inaugural event.

The W6 race took place in the morning first with six waka competing in the 20km course.

First and second place was hotly contested between two crews from Mana Pasifika with the Mana Menz team (1.55.02) eventually winning over their club rivals Makaira (1.55.27).

Third place was taken out by The Outsiders (2.01.31), Aniuwaru men’s Rough Riderz came in fourth (2.07.04) and Rusty Nails from Hawaikinui came in fifth (2.14.05).

Only one W6 women’s team raced from Porirua Canoe Kayak Club (2.03.16).

There was a combination of W1, W2, sea kayak and surf ski crafts competing in the singles race which was great to see. The eventual winner was Sam Blyde who competed in a surf ski (54.55). The first W1 (rudder) home was paddled by Allan Sullivan from Team Phoenix in Auckland (1.01.58).

Other times:

Surf Ski

  • Marty McDowell (54.55)
  • Iain Gillies (1.01.39)

W1 (Rudderless)

  • Shannon Moon (1.06.40)

Sea Kayak

  • Sandy Winterton (1.03.55)

W2

  • Tuhiwai Hauiti-Parapara (Jnr) / Terry Gardiner (1.04.07)

The host clubs Porirua Canoe Kayak Club in conjunction with Aniuwaru Waka Ama Club would like to thank the sponsors of the event, including:

  • Moananui
  • The Lions Club Titahi Bay
  • Countdown Porirua
  • K-Mart Porirua
  • Brights Mitre 10 (Paremata)
  • Naomi Brooking from Remax Real Estate
  • Bunnings, Porirua
  • Body Wisdom

Porirua Canoe Kayak Club and Aniuwaru Waka Ama Club would also like to warmly thank all of the wonderful paddlers who competed in the Mana Island Challenge. Without you all the event would not have been possible.

To all of the friends and family of the organisers who helped out on the day, both on land and on the water, and with donating prizes, thank you all for your support.

And finally, a special acknowledgement to the individuals and local organisations who provided their support both before and during the event:

  • Sharlene Winiata (photographer)
  • Titahi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club
  • Wellington Regional Council Harbourmaster
  • Mana Coastguard
  • Porirua City Council
  • Porirua Police
  • Whitby Sections
  • Hoe Tonga
  • Tuhiwai Hauiti-Parapara (Race coordinator)

The W6 races were captured on camera by our photographer Sharlene (Shaz) Winiata.  Please click on the link to view images from the day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29817729@N02/sets/72157624707060993/show/

After the success of this inaugural event, the Mana Island Challenge 2010 Organising Committee plan to make this race an annual fixture on the paddling calendar. It is hoped that next year’s race will attract even more paddlers from around the country to come and take on the challenge of the local waters around Titahi Bay.

Meitaki Maata e Kia Manuia

Mana Island Challenge 2010

Hoe Tonga July 2010 survey results

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Below you can find a brief summary of the results for the recent survey of Hoe Tonga paddlers and members regarding Hoe Tonga’s performance.

27 people responded to the survey; providing a useful insight into the thinking of Hoe Tonga’s key stakeholders, i.e. paddlers and supporters.

Re question 4, i.e. whether Hoe Tonga’s delivery and performance of waka ama related activities demonstrate our values, the picture is mixed and there is clearly room for improvement for Hoe Tonga.

Re question 5, i.e. the performance of Hoe Tonga in terms of three key areas, work in terms of information provision and race organisation appears to be relatively good, but there is clearly room for improvement in terms of growing and developing waka ama in the region.

Note that by focusing on implementing the initiatives as set out in Hoe Tonga’s strategic plan 09-14 it should be possible to improve on the above results.

Note that the survey also collected information on potential volunteers; this information will be used in the future to approach people to see whether they may be interested in relevant work (where applicable).

You can access a copy of the results here by clicking here.

ENDS

Race 5, W1 Harbour Series, 15 August, results

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The biggest turnout so far, 32 paddlers took to the water for race 5 of the W1 Harbour Series. A big thank you to Chester Burt, Sharlene and Tuhiwai for running this event while Joern is away in Germany.

The start was on the Pauatahanui side of the Mana Bridge, where it was out of the cool Southerly breeze pushing its way through the Porirua Harbour. The course headed around one of the moored boats just off Ivy Bay then headed under the Mana Bridge, down alongside the yachts near Te Onepoto Bay, then around a buoy by the Jetty at Whitireia Polytechnic then back under the bridge to the finish.

The distance was 8 km. In case of any mistakes in the results, please let Joern know.

W1
Grant Barribal 51:25 W1 Master (2 points as at least three in same/lower division)
Jack Wormald 51:32 W1 Open (2 points as at least three in division)
Taawhana Chadwick 53:18 W1 Open (1 point)
Paddy Rimene 54:22 W1 Open (1 point)
Piki Emery 55:44 W1 SNR Master (2 points as at least three in same/lower division)
Ricky Kopa 55:54 W1 Open (1 point)
George Faalogo 56:43 W1 Master (1 point)
Willie Kappely 57:12 W1 Master (1 point)
Thomas Tawhiri 57:29 W1 Master (1 point)
Chris Fox 58:20 W1 SNR Master W (2 points at least three in same/lower division)
Nigel Baker 58:52 W1 Master (1 point)
Frank Timoti 60:59 W1 Master (1 point)
Mike Colenso-Mita 61:12 W1 Master (1 point)
Ray Kearns 61:26 W1 Open (1 point)
Terry Gardiner 61:54 W1 Master (1 point)
Mereana Hodges 63:36 W1 Master W (1 point)
Rota Taiatini 66:05 W1 Master (1 point)
Royce Gray 66:08 W1 SNR Master (1 point)
Sarah Snow 66:36 W1 SNR Master W (1 point)
Selena Katene W1 short course, Master W (1 point)
Joe Nuku W1 short course , Open (1 point)

Ski, Multisport & Seakayak

Tyler Maxwell 45:44 Ski (2 points, at least three in division)
Chester Burt 45:57 Ski (1 point)
Matt Archer 45:58 Multisport (2 points, at least three in division)
Craig Jones 47:16 Multisport (1 point)
Jack Manners 48:39 Ski (1 point)
Trent Luka 49:41 Ski (1 point)
Sandy Winterton 50:03 Ski (1 point)
Dave Ryde 51:17 Ski (1 point)
Iain Gillies 52:26 Ski (1 point)
Brent Harrison 55:24 Multisport (1 point)
Pete Notman 61:58 Sea Kayak (1 point)

The last W1 race of the Series is on Sept 5 and the first Welly Paddlers race run by Chester for the 2010/2011 season starts on Sept 26.

Here the current standings:

Name Age group / Cat I II III IV V Total
Piki Emery SNR Master M 2 2 2 2 2 10
Grant Barribal Master M 0 2 2 2 2 8
Jörn Scherzer Open M 1 1 2 2 0 6
Anita Taggart SNR Master W 0 2 2 2 0 6
Willie Kappely Master M 1 1 1 0 1 4
Tyler Maxwell Open M Surfski 0 1 1 0 2 4
Royce Gray SNR Master M 1 1 1 0 1 4
Ray Kearns Open M 0 1 1 1 1 4
Selena Katene Master W 0 0 2 0 1 3
Paddy Rimene Open M 0 0 1 1 1 3
Mereana Hodges Master W 0 2 0 0 1 3
Dave Ryde Master M 0 0 1 1 1 3
Chris Fox SNR Master W 0 1 0 0 2 3
Tina Kearns Master W 0 1 0 1 0 2
Thomas Tawhiri Master M 0 0 0 1 1 2
Terry Gardner Master M 0 0 0 1 1 2
Taawhana Chadwick Open M 0 1 0 0 1 2
Sandy Winterton Open M Surfski 0 0 0 1 1 2
Rota Taiatini Master M 0 0 0 1 1 2
Ricky Kopa Open M 0 0 1 0 1 2
Marty McDowell Open M Surfski 0 0 0 2 0 2
Kris Dahl Master W 0 0 1 1 0 2
Kemara JNR 16 M 1 0 1 0 0 2
James Sadler Master M 0 1 0 1 0 2
Chester Burt Open M Surfski 0 0 0 1 1 2
Bjorn Agnew Open M 0 0 1 1 0 2
Jack Wormald Open M 0 0 0 0 2 2
Andrew Cary Open M Surfski 0 0 0 1 0 1
Turi Jnr Tulepu JNR 16 M 0 0 1 0 0 1
Turi Open M Surfski 0 0 1 0 0 1
Sarah Snow SNR Master W 0 0 0 0 1 1
Pania Open W 0 0 1 0 0 1
Nicky Open W Surfski 0 1 0 0 0 1
Mike Open M Surfski 0 1 0 0 0 1
Kelvin Solomon Master M 0 0 0 1 0 1
Fahina Tulepu Open M 0 0 1 0 0 1
Eru Ruwhiu Master M 0 0 0 1 0 1
Doug Master M 0 0 1 0 0 1
David Robinson Open M Surfski 0 0 0 1 0 1
George Faalogo Master M 0 0 0 0 1 1
Joe Nuku Open M 0 0 0 0 1 1
Nigel Baker Master M 0 0 0 0 1 1
Frank Timoti Master M 0 0 0 0 1 1
Mike Colenso-Mita Master M 0 0 0 0 1 1
Matt Archer Multisport 0 0 0 0 2 2
Craig Jones Multisport 0 0 0 0 1 1
Brent Harrison Multisport 0 0 0 0 1 1
Jack Manners Open M Surfski 0 0 0 0 1 1
Trent Luka Open M Surfski 0 0 0 0 1 1
Iain Gillies Open M Surfski 0 0 0 0 1 1
Pete Notman Sea Kayak 0 0 0 0 1 1

ENDS

W1 Harbour Series (V), 15 August, at Mana / Ngati Toa Domain

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The W1 Harbour Series (V) on 15 August will be run from Mana, again, due to the unfavourable weather forecast (southerly 20 knots). Let’s hope for some Northerly conditions for the last series in September. Note that Chester Burt will run this event as Joern is away in sunny Germany.

Time: meet at 9.15am, race start at 10am

Distance: ~ 10km

Safety: Paddlers are to ensure that they carry all necessary safety gear, i.e. life jacket, bailer, and are trained in basic self-rescue techniques!

Cost: $2 and your enthusiasm, money goes towards price for the paddler with the most points but winning isn’t the only way to gain points.

FYI, points to give away:

  • 1 point for attendance
  • 1 point for a win (if at least three paddlers in same/lower/higher division)

The main price is a a brandnew blue wave camelbak. There will also be additional spot prices, handed out at the completion of the series in September.

Purpose: This event is for those looking for some competition and for those wanting to spice up their W1 training sessions.

Paddling craft: The series is intended for W1 but the event is open to all paddling craft. The series runs during the Winter season between May and September. Note that the Surfski and Waka Ama Series runs between October and March.

Race notices / change of venue: announced via http://www.hoetonga.co.nz (The venue is normally confirmed on Friday before the race, check http://www.hoetonga.co.nz for race notices.)

If you have any questions, please contact Jörn Scherzer @ 021-1250997.

ENDS

Hoe Tonga AGM on 6 September 2010

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Notice is hereby given that the Hoe Tonga AGM be held on 6 September.

  • Where: Porirua Police College (go to reception)
  • When: 6.30pm

Note that any member of an affiliated  member club can attend the AGM but each club only has one vote via their club representative.

At the meeting, Hoe Tonga is intending to adopt a revised constitution, following a two phase public consultation process over the last three months. Click here to download the draft final revised constitution.

The AGM agenda will be as follows:

  • Motions affecting the rules of the Association (revised constitution)
  • the receiving of the president’s report
  • the receiving of the treasurer’s report for the previous financial year
  • election of Executive Officers
  • Membership fees
  • Membership

If you know of someone who would like to stand for office, or if you would like to nominate someone for any of the executive officer positions, please send this information to htpwaa@gmail.com.

ENDS