Three local clubs shine

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

Horouta, Mareikura and YMP junior crews were among the pacesetters on the first

two days of the Waka Ama New Zealand national sprint championships at Lake Karapiro.

Puhi Kaiariki, of Self Storage Gisborne Horouta Waka Hoe Club, won the J16 women’s W6 500-metre final in a time of 2 minutes 16.83 seconds yesterday.

Mareikura Puna Ariki, of Mareikura Waka Ama Club, finished fifth in the J16 women’s W6 500m final, in a time of 2:25.60. Puhi Kaimoana, of Horouta, were two places further back in 2:30.24.

Rukupo, of YMP Waka Ama, were sixth in the J16 men’s W6 500m final, in 2:11.19, while Tama Ki Te Rangi (Horouta) were ninth in 2:21.10.

Another Horouta team, 6 Mullets, took third place in the intermediate men’s W6 500m in a time of 2:32.12. Te Arai, of YMP Waka Ama, were eighth in 2:53.00.

In the intermediate women’s final, Whetumatarau Maidens (Horouta) were fourth in 2:44.95, Hinehakirirangi (YMP) were fifth in 2:45.27,and Hinepukohurangi (Horouta) were eighth.