The accompanying images show the medal-winning teams and paddlers from the Rangaunu Waka Ama and Sports Club celebrating their respective achievements at the national waka ama sprint champs held on Lake Karapiro from January 15-19.
The team shot shows the J16 Niwa Lakers and J19 Niwa Pump teams who combined under the name of Muriwhenua to take bronze in the double hull J19s 500m race. From back left are, Ariana Smith, Merita Hei Hei, Edwina Popata-Boynton, Hine-Mihiata Kingi Waiaua, Caroline Popata-Boynton, Pani Trent; front right: Te Reinga Patuwairua, Roberta Nathan, Jesarna Ashby, Nina O'Sullivan, Rebecca Parangi and Fetuao Fa'avae.
As well, Rangaunu's Kura Heke and Magz Brown won gold and silver respectively in the golden master women w1 500m race. The club's Hine-Maia Super Nanz team also made the podium, winning two silvers in the master women w12 500m (where it combined with the Mitamataga masters) and the senior women's 1000m, and also a bronze in the 500m finals.
Photos supplied.