Mareikura works together to ‘make it happen’

MAREIKURA PROUD: A dedicated programme at Mareikura over the summer build-up to the waka ama sprint nationals on Lake Karapiro culminated in medals, finals and a sense of achievement and club pride. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

“MAKING it happen” has been a catchcry of Mareikura Waka Ama Club as it looks to the future.

The club entered 24 teams in the sprint nationals on Lake Karapiro, an increase on recent years, especially in the midget (under-10) and intermediate (u13) categories . . . “providing for a strong foundation and ensure membership sustainability in the future,” said club stalwart Raipoia Brightwell.

“Mareikura prides itself on our quality coaching. Last year the club reviewed its structure and programme, and was dedicated to providing a water-safe, technique and skills-improved, whanau-friendly environment.

“Whanau, managers and coaches worked closely together to ‘make it happen’ and, for most teams, summer was a great introduction to the art of paddling.”

The highlight results-wise of the club’s overall performance at its 27th nationals was provided by Nga Tama Toa intermediate boys’ team coached by Matahi Brightwell.

Hunter Hewson, Wiremu Maxwell, Tawhiri Kirikiri, John Horua, Utetaha Wanoa and Antonio Williams convincingly won the W6 500 metres final.

They also teamed with the TK Moeke-coached Juju on the Lips team of Taine Moeke, Allies Rangihuna, Zion Birch, Jordan Tuhaka, Bennett Reuben and Troy Wharepapa to win the W12 title.

The junior 19 men’s Aito team, coached by Matahi Brightwell, combined with the Rob Nuku-coached Build Up to win bronze in a thrilling W12 500 final.

Junior 16 men’s W12 500 crew Mayhem Awhio — made up of W6 crews coached by Basil Morgan and Orohena Brightwell — made finals while masters men’s crew Team 5% made finals in the 500 (sixth) and 1000m (eighth)W6 races.

Great performancesThere were some great performances by their midgets team, said Raipoia Brightwell.

“Especially the Mangotipi boys, coached by Tumanako Kururangi, and Ohinewaiapu girls’ team, coached by TK Moeke. Both won their cup finals and together (under the name Horowhatu) made the boys’ W12 championship final.”

Another midgets crew, Mareikura Turanga, coached by Nuku, were second in the W6 boys’ bowl final (fifth).

The club also had W1 success. The Matahi Brightwell-coached Wiremu Maxwell (DQ), Hunter Hewson (fifth) and Tawhiri Kirikiri (sixth) made the intermediate boys’ final.

Moko Epiha, coached by Nuku, was seventh in the J16 men’s final.

And several Matahi Brightwell-coached girls paddled under the Horouta banner this year — Akayshia Williams (premier women’s W1 winner), sister Rangi-Riana (J16 women’s W1 winner) and J19 women’s finalist Pharyn Calles (sixth).

“The measure of success was about all our teams performing well and displaying the skills and techniques that were taught over the summer . . . bringing a sense of achievement and pride,” said Raipoia Brightwell.

“The club thanks all coaches, managers, whanau members, sponsors and paddlers for making our waka ama season a success. Nga mihi nui ki te katoa.”