Karapiro National Sprint Championships 2019 Day 6

Friday we had 12 finals! Our adult divisions began, with Ngā Hoe Hōro winning the Premiere Men W12 500m.

The 6 regions of Aotearoa competed for two trophies, the “Club Points Award”, and the “Ace Cuthers Memorial Club Spirit Award”. The Trophies were carved by Matahī Whakataka Brightwell who has been instrumental in the re-birth and growth of the sport of Waka Ama in Aotearoa.

The first trophy goes to the club with the most points from throughout the Nationals.This will be won by overall best performance throughout all divisions. Horouta was awarded this trophy, for the 8th time in 9 years. they totaled a whopping 343 points.

The 2nd trophy is the “Ace Cuthers Memorial Club Spirit Award” it will be chosen by the Volunteers and Officials at the event. They will take into consideration actions of the club throughout the week, their performance on and off the water. The winning club in 2018 was Te Rau Ōranga o Ngāti Kahungunu Waka Ama Club. The winning club this year was Mitamitaga o le pasefika va'a-alo canoe club for optimizing the values of Waka Ama; Manaakitanga, Whānaungatanga, Hauora, Tu Tangata throughout the entire week, on and off the water. Even more fitting that their founding member and stalwart of Waka Ama Pili Muaulu was present for the award and throughout the entire competition.

On our final day (Saturday), we had 24 finals, 12 back to back finals starting with the Master 70+ women’s w6 1000 (our eldest paddler Ngahuia Mōrehu [82] is in this race), our adaptive finals, and the premier mens (Tupu King, Manutea Millon, and Ash Roozendaal were in this ).

In 2015 Waka Ama New Zealand initiative an award that recognised
people who have contributed or continue to the growth, development or legacy of Waka Ama

This year we have 3 people we have recognised with this Tohu as recognition of the positive impact and contribution made to the sport of Waka Ama;

Raipoia Brightwell, Chrissy Herbert (Posthumously), and Bo Herbert (Posthumously). These 3 people have been pivotal in the development of waka ama here in Aotearoa.
If you want to see more of these individuals please see attached word dox.

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