On Labour Day, Craig Pauling was kaihautū for the first waka ama wānanga held at Koukourārata. We hope it will be one of many. Te Rūnanga o Koukourārata purchased a waka ama earlier this year so the wānanga gave the whānau a chance to learn more about waka ama and water safety, plus the opportunity to see how fast our waka can go. Before anyone could get into the waka there was a comprehensive safety briefing by Craig, which set a positive and confident tone for the wānanga.
Twelve taiohi from Koukourārata and the motu attended this inaugural waka ama training and everyone is keen for another one. Our goal is to enter a strong team into the Twilight races ki Whakaraupō. In order to do this, we will be transporting our waka ama to Naval Point in Lyttelton to help facilitate training – in particular to practice flipping exercises. Koukourārata whānau who are interested in being part of these wānaka must contact the rūnanga office so we can co-ordinate practice details.
Nō reira, ko tēnei te mihinui ki a Craig Pauling nō Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki mō tōna mātauranga kua hōmai ki a mātau. He māringanui nō mātau i tāna taenga mai ki Koukourārata. Ko te tūmanako, ka huihui anō tātau.
Tama tū, tama ora, tama noho, tama mate.
Nā Manaia Cunningham.
Getting ready for the waka ama action.
Craig Pauling gives the whānau some paddling tips.