New sail trainers for Gisborne’s Tairāwhiti Voyaging Trust

A $20,000 grant from the NZCT has enabled the Tairāwhiti Voyaging Trust to buy two waka taurua which will enable the trust to offer hands-on learn-to-sail teaching.

A $20,000 grant will make for smoother sailing for Tairāwhiti Voyaging Trust as it looks to broaden horizons for young people when it comes to waka sailing.

TVT was awarded $20,000 by the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) to buy two waka taurua sail training craft.

The grant also covers the purchase of a trailer and cover.

“This new equipment will expand our reach, offering hands-on learning for tamariki and rangatahi while enhancing water safety and marine environment knowledge across Te Tairāwhiti,” voyaging trust manager Emma van Berkel said.

“Waka taurua are five-metre-long replicas of the 22m double-hulled waka hourua, designed to safely introduce children and adults to waka sailing.

“They can sail in various locations or set up on land for educational programmes in schools and communities.”

Van Berkel said the addition of waka taurua to TVT’s fleet allowed for greater access to waka sailing- engaging communities where they live and helping foster future leaders.

“The smaller waka taurua are perfect for teaching tamariki and rangatahi the fundamentals of waka sailing, enabling them to fully engage in the activity and develop the necessary skills for the future.

“Tairāwhiti is home to many remote communities and the waka taurua allow us to bring opportunities to those who might otherwise miss out.”

NZCT general manager of grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges said TVT ran a wonderful culturally centred programme that got young people learning about and enjoying the ocean.