Thousands descend on Lake Karāpiro for waka ama nationals

This year is the largest in the event’s history, with over 4,000 paddlers descending on the lake over the course of the week, bringing double the number of spectators with them.

Racing began last Sunday with the taitamariki age group and will run until Saturday, finishing with the J19, Adult Racing and Adaptive Elite Racing finals. 

On Monday, the embankment at the Cambridge lake was a sea of colour, with hundreds of club tents and spectator gazebos lined up side-by-side. 

An endless stream of people walk the vibrant vendor lane in search of something delicious to eat, or to browse the stalls selling official event merchandise and traditional Māori craft. 

‘We’re one big family here’

Among the cast of thousands were Doreen Kihi and her daughter Mata.

The pair from Tūākau are supporting grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and anyone else they know on the water in a waka this week. 

“We’re one big family here,” Doreen says.

“This event brings clubs from all around the country together – it’s an opportunity to come together as one.

“You meet a lot of people and also get to see people you haven’t seen in a long time.”

The 72-year-old says spending time with whānau and watching the taitamariki race is a real highlight for her.

“When else can a five-year-old race at the same event as an 85-year-old? Watching the kids’ expressions and sharing that aroha with them is wonderful.”

Mata Kihi, left, and her mother Doreen.

Bouncing back from a fall with ACC support

Doreen feels grateful to be at the Sprint Nationals and support her whānau this year, after suffering a fall four months ago. 

She hit her head and injured her neck and shoulder, and has been receiving acupuncture through ACC as part of her recovery. 

“I know how important it is to keep active to help with my recovery, so I can continue coming to Sprint Nationals and supporting my whānau for many more years to come,” she says.

Doreen stopped by the Hauora Hub, where ACC is running community strength and balance classes throughout the week. 

She’s been doing some breathing exercises and balance work as part of the recovery from her fall, but was keen to learn more about falls prevention and community strength and balance classes that might be available to her back home.

Helping people lead independent lives

Sport Bay of Plenty Project Coordinators Jaime William and Becky Hodgson were supporting with the classes on Monday.

“It’s great to be able to build awareness around the programme,” Jaime says. 

“There are so many small things you can do, just using your own body and what you have at home, that can make a big difference in falls prevention.

“We want to remove barriers and give people the confidence to be able to live full lives independently.”

Jaime William, left, and Becky Hodgson from Sport Bay of Plenty.

Connection, confidence and staying active

Andy Milne, ACC’s Deputy Chief Executive of Strategy, Engagement and Prevention, says the community strength and balance classes are about more than just exercise.

“They’re about connection, confidence and staying active so you can prevent injury and continue to do the things you love,” Andy says.

At the Sprint Nationals this year, whānau can come and give a class a go and, if they’re interested, visit the Live Stronger for Longer website to find and continue classes when they return home.

Andy says the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals is a special event. 

“We’re proud to support the kaupapa of waka ama, strengthening community resilience and wellbeing through sport and family-focused initiatives.

“Staying connected to your whānau is one of the most powerful things you can do for your wellbeing during recovery from an injury.”

‘An injury doesn’t have to put your life on hold’

ACC aims to encourage safer participation in sport, promote injury prevention and ensure New Zealanders of all ages understand the role of rehabilitation when injured, Andy says.  

“An injury doesn’t have to put your life on hold. With an active recovery, you can get back to what’s important to you – whether that’s time with your whānau, joining your team on the water or even just being able to enjoy the summer.” 

ACC is hosting a Whānau Zone for supporters, paddlers and wider whānau to relax and watch the racing.  

We also have staff on site to share information about ACC support services. 

ACC data shows Māori are less likely to access ACC entitlements compared to non-Māori but are more likely to experience a serious injury. 

“Community events like waka ama help us to raise awareness and build understanding around ACC services that improve rehabilitation outcomes for all New Zealanders,” Andy says.