NZ champs get $76.5k shot in the ama

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

The long distance national waka ama championships being held in Gisborne in October has been given a $76,500 boost.

Te Uranga o Te Rā Waka Ama Association (TUOTR) — which encompasses an area from Hawke’s Bay to the East Cape — will be running the popular event from October 3 to 6.

To help the host organisation with the event, Trust Tairāwhiti has approved $76,500 in funding to TUOTR — the Waka Ama NZ affiliated member that represents clubs in the East Coast region.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the long distance nationals here in the home of the sport’s pioneers and so many great waka ama champions,” Tairāwhiti Trust general manager communities Audine Grace-Kutia said.

“It will be a celebration and a showcase of Aotearoa’s most skilled and passionate waka ama athletes.

“With over 1200 participants and hundreds of supporters coming from across the country and overseas, Tairāwhiti will be buzzing.

“Accommodation, hospitality and tourism activities will be in high demand, meaning this event will deliver significant economic benefits for our region.

“This strongly aligns with the trust’s overall economic development strategy, as well as embodying the trust’s wellbeing framework muka of tūtangata (cultural identity) and tūhono (relationships).”

Following  Cyclone Gabrielle, the nationals have extra significance this year.

“In light of Cyclone Gabrielle and its impacts on local waka ama clubs — and the region as a whole — TUOTR has specifically chosen this location for the event to be hosted,” TUOTR chair Olliver Smith said.

“Our thanks to Trust Tairāwhiti for their funding, which will help us deliver this major sporting event.

“We’ll be collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the event is well coordinated, with Tairāwhiti manaaki ensuring a fantastic experience for participants and spectators alike.

“We invite supporters and whānau, locals and manuhiri to join us on October 3-6.”