Tai Awa Waka Ama Makes Strong National Debut At 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals

Whanganui-based waka ama club Tai Awa Waka Ama has returned home proud after competing at its first-ever Waka Ama Sprint Nationals at Lake Karāpiro — the largest national competition held to date.

Established to provide a positive and inclusive environment, Tai Awa Waka Ama focuses on developing paddlers’ skills, wellbeing, and connection to te taiao. The club takes a values-based coaching approach, embedding respect, environmental care, and cultural knowledge alongside physical and mental resilience.

Although a new club, Tai Awa Waka Ama is led by an experienced paddling and coaching team and has prioritised junior and single waka development in its first year. Initially planning to take just two teams to Nationals, strong whānau support saw the club take six teams — highlighting the demand for accessible waka ama opportunities in Whanganui.

On the water, Tai Awa Waka Ama delivered an impressive national debut. The Taitamariki boys team, Ngā Tai o Kupe, won a silver medal in the W6 250m sprint, while the Taitamāhine team, Tai Mānia, secured a bronze ribbon in the Te Kei W6 250m. Combined Taitama crews placed first in their Te Kei W12 250m final but were later disqualified due to a technicality, despite their winning performance. The combined Taitamāhine crews progressed through to the Te Takere W12 250m final.

The club’s J16 girls, racing in combined crews, advanced to the semi-finals and finished 14th overall nationally. In W1 (single waka) events, Leilani Tua and Grace Porter completed their first national championships, while Mia McDonnell (J16) progressed to the semi-finals.

Tai Awa Waka Ama also acknowledges its senior paddlers who raced at Nationals under other club colours. As the club continues to grow, Tai Awa looks forward to these paddlers leading crews and competing in their respective grades under the Tai Awa banner in future seasons.

“The results are exciting, but what matters most is the growth we saw on and off the water.” said Chairperson Amiria Paranihi.

Tai Awa Waka Ama remains in its early development stage and does not yet own its own waka. The club acknowledges the vital sponsorship and support of Orohena Brightwell, Te Ao Hou Marae, Four Regions, The Zone, Brews Brothers, Tukua Storytelling Studio, Raukura Consultants, Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui, and Mt View Screenprint.

“Our vision has always been about creating a safe, nurturing space for our babies to grow both on and off the water,” said Paranihi.

With a strong first national campaign behind them, Tai Awa Waka Ama looks ahead with confidence and a commitment to growing future paddlers grounded in whanaungatanga and kaupapa Māori.

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