Hoe Tonga are proud to support this kaupapa run by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira

Message from the iwi as follows:

“Join us in welcoming Te Hau o Matariki, our waka hourua, as she arrives in Porirua. This is a special occasion for our iwi and hāpori to come together to celebrate our connection to the moana, our mātauranga Māori, and the enduring spirit of navigation that guides us today.

We especially invite our local waka ama clubs to take part in the procession as Te Hau o Matariki makes her way into Porirua Harbour.

Event Details:

Ngāti Toa Domain (formalities)

Sunday 23 November, 11am–1pm (expect her to start making her way in around 12 pm and on the beach by 12.30)

Te Hau o Matariki will be welcomed into Ngāti Toa Domain with haka pōwhiri from our local kura and Rarotongan drumming community. A formal pōwhiri will then take place in front of the Ngāti Toa Sea Scout building, supported by Ngāti Toa kaumatua and iwi members.

The Rūnanga are happy to work with anyone available to help coordinate the waka fleet alongside the crew on Te Hau o Matariki.

If your club would like to tautoko this event in your waka, RSVP to communications@ngatitoa.iwi.nz so the iwi can confirm numbers of kaihoe and waka out on the moana.

There is the option for waka ama to launch from Onepoto, paddle to the Domain, and return afterward, helping to reduce pressure on parking and grounds at Ngāti Toa Domain. Please ensure your waka keeps to the sides/behind Te Hau o Matariki.

We look forward to celebrating our waka ama community, especially those who have dedicated years to this kaupapa.”

Kia ora e te whānau

The countdown is on for the regional event that could kick-start some of our paddlers’ haerenga to the 2026 World Sprint Champs in Singapore To bring this to life we need you!!

We need your passion, your energy and your talents to help us make the 2025 Regionals a resounding success

We are seeking enthusiastic kaitūao/volunteers to help us with various aspects of this regional event No previous experience is required, just your desire to be part of an event for those who are striving to be the best they can be.

If you would like to tautoko as a volunteer, register your interest here https://forms.gle/JSisq7KMjjarH7dC8 by Monday 24th November.

Kia ora e te whānau

Ngā mihi o te marama hou ki a koutou.

We are pleased to announce entries are now open for the 2025 Hoe Tonga Pacifica Regional Sprint Champs in December. This event will be held at Henley Lake in Masterton, with W6 races taking place on Saturday 6th and W1 races on Sunday 7th.

Club coordinators can process entries online in the Members Area of the Waka Ama NZ website. All kaihoe must be affiliated to their club and Waka Ama NZ for the 2026 season in order to enter. All entries close on Friday 28 November at 11.59pm.

• Pānui 1 – general race information
• Pānui 2 – will be released with additional information closer to the time of the event
• Individual Event Waiver (W1)
• Team Event Waiver (W6)
• View all event entries here

Friendly reminder that the 2026 National Sprints are the qualifiers for the 2026 World Sprints in Singapore, and the opportunity to enter team intentions closes on 21 November. More information can be found on the Waka Ama NZ website, linked here 2026 World Sprint Champs.

If you have any pātai, send them through to hoetonga@gmail.com

Mauri ora

The voting process is now open for the Waka Ama NZ elected board member. Each club has been emailed a voting form to submit their vote. Clubs have until Thursday, 11 September, to submit their vote form.

For full information on the voting process and the details of the nominees, visit the Waka Ama NZ website: https://wakaama.co.nz/stories/read/1006683
For further information or any questions, email admin@wakaama.co.nz

Kururaki ki a kōrua

Te Māreikura Whakataka-Brightwell

Tui Pukepuke (McCaull)