• First in the senior master mixed 12-kilometre iron race
• First in the senior master mixed 36km circumnavigation-of-Rarotonga change race, where substitute paddlers relieve the paddling crew by climbing into the canoe after being dropped into the ocean by a support boat.
• Second in the senior master mixed 200-metre sprint.
• Second in the senior master women 200m sprint.
• Third in the master men’s (over 40 years) 200m sprint.
• Third in the senior master men’s 200m sprint.
• Fourth in the all-divisions SUP (stand up paddleboard)/swim/run triathlon.
During the races the scenery was spectacular, the weather was hot and tropical, and the ocean conditions were a mix of calm, wind chop, downwind surf and rolling swells.
“Being immersed in the ocean was akin to lying in a warm bath,” crew member Mani Williams said.
“The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the hospitality, generosity and insight into the local culture afforded to us by the Keenan whanau from the village of Titikaveka.
“Host Mata’afa (Mat) Keenan was an Auckland provincial rugby player during the 1980s and through his mother’s whakapapa represented Manu Samoa at the 1991 Rugby World Cup alongside Peter Fatialofa, Pat Lam and Frank Bunce. His wife is Lucyanne, a first cousin to paddlers Wai-Ella Williams and Roberta Brown. All are members of the Dewes whanau from Tikitiki.”
Mani Williams said another local relationship was re-established with Paul Peyroux, a cousin of Mata’afa and a former Rectory boy who attended Gisborne Boys’ High School in the late 1970s.
“It was also a privilege to attend the lovely wedding at picturesque Muri Beach of Uawa power couple Waldo Horomia and Justine Keelan,” he said.
“Nga mihi nui ki a korua.”
Williams said the Cook Islands proved ideal for the celebration of a special occasion.
“For New Zealanders the obvious conveniences are the same currency, languages, similar legislation and driving on the left side of the road.
“For Aotearoa Maori, an additional bonus is the strong whakapapa connection with the Cook Island Maori and a sense of being ‘welcomed home’. Plus, the paddling is truly epic.”