Northland Secondary Schools Set To Make Waves At 2026 Regional Waka Ama Regatta

Secondary school paddlers from across Te Tai Tokerau will gather at Lake Manuwai for the 2026 Regional Waka Ama Regatta, signalling an exciting resurgence of the event and significant growth in participation since the last event held several years ago.

Delivered by the Tai Tokerau Polynesian Canoe Association (TTPCA), in association with Native Sports Performance and Sport Northland, the regatta provides a vital regional platform for rangatahi to compete, connect and represent their kura with pride. The seeds for this growth were planted in December last year with the delivery of three Waka Ama ‘Have a go days’ with five schools taking part over the three days.

This year’s event features 13 schools from across the region, highlighting the continued growth and strength of waka ama in Northland secondary schools.

Participating schools include:

Bay of Islands College – Kawakawa

Kaitaia College – Kaitaia

Kamo High School – Whangārei

Ngataki School – Kaitaia

Northland College – Kaikohe

Opononi Area School – Kaikohe

Tauraroa Area School

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hokianga – Opononi

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Pukemiro – Kaitaia

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tūtūtarakihi - Kaitaia

Te Kura o Taiao – Mangōnui

Te Kura Takiwa o Manganuiowae (Broadwood Area School) – Hokianga

Te Rangi Aniwaniwa – Kaitaia

The regatta is more than just an event, it provides rangatahi with the opportunity to strengthen whanaungatanga across rohe, develop confidence and leadership, and engage with the kaupapa of waka ama. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Manuwai, the event brings together paddlers, whānau, kaiako, and supporters. Manawhenua, Ngāti Rēhia, play an important and supportive role in making this event possible.

TTPCA and its partners acknowledge the dedication of schools, local clubs, coaches, volunteers and whānau who continue to grow secondary school waka ama in Te Tai Tokerau. With participation numbers increasing strongly, the future of the sport in the region looks promising.

For more information, visit https://www.wakaama.co.nz/racecalendar/lookup/2397 or contact Kereama at kereama@wakaama.co.nz

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