Waitangi Day Inaugural Marae Waka Ama Challenge

Heretaunga Ararau O Ngati Kahungunu Waka Ama Roopu are extremely proud to be hosting the Inaugural Marae Waka Ama Challenge on the Clive River, Waitangi Day, Feb 6th, 2009.

Since the club was first established in February 2002, it has maintained a very loyal, core group of members, who have enjoyed the beauty of the 3 river, Tutaekuri, Ngaruroroa and Clive as their playground.

Although the Roopu has supported the Waitangi Day events held annually at Farndon Park in Clive for some years, this will be the first time such an event will be hosted by them.  It is without a doubt a very exciting time for all.

The Roopu will be opening the invitation to Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Marae to enter a team in the event.  As both the sport itself being “Waka Ama” and Waitangi day are whanau/family orientated, one of the criteria for the teams to meet, will be to ensure they have; x  U13yr old and 1x 55yr+ in their chosen mixed team of 5 crew.  Ensuring a broad spectrum of experience will be on the water at any one time, making for an entertaining days racing.  Of course there will be prizes for the place getters of the day.

Heretaunga Ararau O Ngati Kahungunu Waka Ama Roopu  see this as being an opportunity to give back to the wider community, and are grateful for the offers of assistance from other local clubs within the district.  

It is anticipated this inaugural waka challenge will become an annual part of the Waitangi Day celebrations, with the major sponsor being the Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.

With an expected beautiful day, an abundance of events, plenty of kai stores and entertainment into the early evening, the day already has that ever empowering scent of success.