Category Archives: General news
A Tribute to James Kiri Hapeta
By Mere Elkington
My first image of Hawaiiki Nui Tuarua Waka Ama Club was James Hapeta, standing tall as his height would allow, hand screening his eyes from the sun as he watched his rangatahi paddling on the water. He turns to get a better position on the foreshore to view his teams’ possible outcome. In support on his left are Denise, his sweetheart and Regan. I didn’t see the outcome for his team; but it was indicated simply by a “Woo-hoo-hoo” and a beautiful toothy smile, as he did a quick and agile jump – and this encounter was only a session of training. My first lesson learnt, he had a passion for rangatahi participating in this sport of waka ama and his support was dedicated and committed.
I walk forward and introduce myself and for a moment I am caught off guard, as James clasps my hand and at the same time I get planted with a wet sloppy kiss crushed against my cheek, followed by a warm grizzly bear hug that dissipates all my nerves into a laugh. This introduction impacted my impression of James Hapeta, he was always a pleasure to be with and ever since I have known him, he has never made me feel any less than special…..A handsome, happy, humorous, hearty human being, who has blessed my life with his presence, passion and energy for this sport of being Maori – Waka Ama.
For those of us who have walked with you, who have talked with you, who have paddled with you, who have trained with you, who have been coached by you – as kindred spirits of Waka Ama, you will never be forgotten James – in waka you will always be remembered.
He wahi mihi tenei ki a koe – E Koro!
Haere, e nga mate
Haere ki te kainga tuturu
Haere ki too Matua I te Rangi
Haere, haere, haere!
A sad day
Tenei kua takoto a James Hapeta
Haere e te Rangatira
Just to let you know James passed away on sunday.
He is on Raukawa Marae, Otaki today (Tues 25/6)
Funeral service on Wednesday 26 June at Rangiatea Church , Otaki at 11am
“James Hapeta was a founding member and stalwart of Hawaikinui Tuarua. Through the years James constantly maintained a close association with the club and was always on hand to provide support when needed. This would often see James clearing the track through to the waka on Lake Waitawa, installing racks for W1’s, and keeping up the maintenance on the clubs fleet of waka in Otaki. He was warm and welcoming and when you spoke with James he gave you his full attention, especially if you where talking about paddling, a subject James had a very real passion for. This passion was also what led to James playing a significant role in developing waka ama in schools within both the Otaki and Levin communities. At the time of his passing James held the position of Chairperson of Hawaiiki Nui. On hearing of the news one club member was heard to remark that James was “one of the good guys who will leave a void in his passing”. A fitting epitaph for someone who held, and will continue to hold, a very special place in Hawaikinui Tuarua Waka Ama ki Otaki.“
Our love and condolences go to Denise and the whanau.
Some footage from the second race of the winter series on 16 June
Videos and photos seldom give justice to the height of the surf, but the paddlers in the background provide a little bit of an idea of the bumps that paddlers had to negotiate. Check out 1:30m and 2:50m.
Hikoikoi 7’s – Matariki 2013 Regatta
HIKOIKOI WAKA AMA CLUB
Date: Saturday 29 June (Sunday 30 June postponement date)
Cost: $7 per paddler
Distances: 14km & 7km
Start time: 9.30am
Must provide or arrange waka prior to event and waka can be stored at Hikoikoi overnight from 3pm Friday 28 June
14km Open/J19 Mens, Womens, Mixed
SS/Canoe/Kayak are welcome to enter this distance
7km Novice & J16 (course designed for new paddlers and whanau groups) 6 paddlers are required along with 1 x runner who can be under age of 10 years (experienced steerer a must) *knowledge of the stars that make up the cluster of Matariki will be beneficial to complete race
7km SUP (will be run at same time as Novice and J16 should you wish to do the 14km as well.
Further information will be provided – Entries Close: 27 June, Thursday
Any enquiries contact: hikoikoiwakaama@gmail.com
Some information about Matariki events in Wellington
To download the official 2013 guide to Matariki Celebrations in the Wellington Region, please click the below link:
https://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/matariki-wellington-city-council/id647784057?mt=8
Te Matau a Maui Presentation Series
Hot off the Waves…
Here is what the regional committee discussed on the meeting on 6 May.
- Wellington Regional Sprints dates set (see website calendar)
- NZ Post Challenge Waka Ama Sprints dates set (see website calendar)
- Regional Secondary Schools Sprint Championships dates set (see website calendar)
- Hoe Tonga is considering the development of a ‘Signiture’ Race/Event for the region; this is an exciting possibility and further discussions will be taking place at the next meeting.
- Te Matau a Maui (Ocean Voyaging waka) will be visiting Wellington and being part of the Matariki Celebrations. A Mass on water welcome will take place on Saturday June 8. For further information check the website for events over 3-5 days in early June.
- Tai Tonga 41 marathon. Next year looking to increase the races to 8km for Novices and 15km for Open/Senior paddlers.
- Reminder: To paddle in waka ama events hosted by Hoe Tonga or Hoe Tonga clubs, paddlers should be members of an affliated club.
- NEXT MEETING JUNE 10, AT THE POLICE COLLEGE, 6.30PM; Lara Collins CEO of NKOA will be attending. Everyone welcome but RSVP to hoetonga@gmail.com is essential as seating is limited.
Mass on water welcome for Te Matau a Māui (Ocean Voyaging Waka)
As part of Matariki celebrations Wellington City will welcome Te Matau a Māui double hulled ocean voyaging waka into Te Whanganui a Tara – organise your clubs, W1, W2 and be part of this historic occassion – tautoko Te Matau a Māui on the water
Saturday 8 June @10am
There will be a full weeks programme free to the public – presentations and opportunities to view and go on board this canoe. After voyaging 20,000 miles across the Pacific there is something for us all to learn about courage, navigation and our ocean environment.
Invitation harbour users on water welcome Saturday 8 June @ 10am
read more here TE MATAU A MĀUI
For information on Matariki events in the Capital
read more here TE MATAU A MĀUI
For information on Matariki events in the Capital
read more here Matariki Events
W1 for sale (HAS BEEN SOLD)
It comes with two sets of kiato, shorter for sprints, longer for ocean racing. Fitted with foot pump, carbon inlay inside cockpit for strengthening.
This V1 is designed to have ability to run easily on bumps as well as track well for sprinting. Deck contour of the nose reduces the effect of side wind, and the contour of the tail end also reduces wind and wave pressure from the side while adding to the tracking ability. Excellent rudderless racing ability. 16Kg fully rigged.
No damage.
$3,000 or nearest offer
Please contact Paddy:
- patrick.rimene@carters.co.nz
- 0272379696
- (06) 370-9750 (Work)
