March 26, 2001

Visitors to Wenderholm Regional Park are in for a treat of action and entertainment this coming weekend at the Mahurangi Hoe Waka Canoe Outriggers 2001.

The festival takes place on Saturday 31 March and brings together waka racing teams from all around the Auckland region and beyond. Hoe Waka are six person outrigger canoes designed for racing and the festival will feature teams of men, women and children.

The festival opens with a powhiri at 9.30 am. The action on the water begins with the 25km men’s race at 10.30am The course takes in Mahurangi Harbour, Saddle Island (Te Hapua) and Motuora Island. (Visitors to Mahurangi Regional Park will also be able to see parts of this event.) Women’s and children’s races will follow.

The Festival is a joint venture between Te Herenga Waka O Orewa, Te Hao O Ngati Whatua, Taniwha Outrigger Club, Harbour Sport and the Auckland Regional Council.

ARC Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Bill Burrill says the festival promises to be a colourful community celebration for the Mahurangi area.

“I will be at on the boats following the on the water activities and I can recommend the event to other boaties,” Cr Burrill says.

“I hope the people of the local community and beyond will take the opportunity to enjoy an action packed day out in the superb coastal setting of Wenderholm Regional Park.”

Food craft and health stores will be available at Wenderholm during the event. Admission is free and organisers are promoting a healthy day out by requesting that the designated festival area remain smoke, alcohol and drug free. For more information contact the ARC’s Parksline on (09) 303-1530.

For further information please call:
Kevin Beals, ARC Senior Ranger, (09) 426-1200, Mobile (025) 951 445
Simon Roche, ARC Communications, Phone 366-2000 ext 8100, Mobile 021 656 380.

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