Horouta girls win gold

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The youngest crews from Tairawhiti are among those who have got off to a flying start at the waka ama sprint nationals at Lake Karapiro.

This morning, Horouta girls' crew of six Hinekahurangi-Ariki claimed gold in the 250 metres in the Midgets class.

YMP crew Pipiwhakao grabbed the bronze medal in the race.

In the boys' final in the same class, Horouta crew the Beauden Barretts claimed a silver medal.

YMP crew Te Pahou were third in the race.

Over 700 children aged under 10 were in action on the first day of competition yesterday.

The 12-girl Hinekahurangi-Ariki crew (Horouta) won their 250m heat and semifinal races.

YMP crew Pipi-Kapua were second in that semifinal and in their heat, and Mareikura crew Bubbalishous were second in their semifinal.

In the same category for the boys, YMP-Horouta crew Te Uranga o te Ra won their heat and semifinal.

Over 2000 young paddlers were to take to the water for racing today.