Hawke's Bay's Mixed Under-18 K4 crews claimed first and second in the 200m at Lake Tikitapu in Rotorua.
Hawke's Bay's Mixed Under-18 K4 crews claimed first and second in the 200m at Lake Tikitapu in Rotorua.
The Hawke’s Bay Kayak Racing Club has made a splash on the national stage, finishing second overall at the Tikitapu 2 Sprint Regatta with 20 gold, 23 silver and 15 bronze medals, while also earning national recognition at the Canoe Racing New Zealand 2025 Awards.
The medal haul included awin for the Mixed Under-18 K4 200m crew, with Hawke’s Bay crews claiming both first and second place.
The regatta event, which was held at Lake Tikitapu in Rotorua from January 31 to February 1, saw the regional club dominate across multiple age groups, from rising junior paddlers to high-performance athletes.
Club chairman Ryan Hambleton said the results reflected years of development and a deep pool of talent across Hawke’s Bay.
“It truly shows the strength and depth of our club,” Hambleton said.
“We are immensely proud of every athlete who competed, and these performances reflect dedication both on and off the water.”
Head coach Ben Bennett discusses strategy with members of the Hawke’s Bay Kayak Racing Club senior squad.
The strong regatta performance was followed by national recognition at the Canoe Racing New Zealand 2025 Awards, where several Hawke’s Bay paddlers and coaches were honoured.
Ben Bennett was named Coach of the Year for his leadership and impact on athlete development. Olympic-level paddler Aimee Fisher was awarded Female Athlete of the Year and received an Excellence Award for her 2025 season.
“These national awards are a proud moment for our club,” Hambleton said.
“Ben’s passion and Aimee’s outstanding achievements inspire our entire community.”
Coach of the Year Ben Bennett (left) and Olympian Aimee Fisher, who was named Female Athlete of the Year at the Canoe Racing New Zealand Excellence and Recognition Awards in Rotorua.
Other Hawke’s Bay athletes recognised at the awards included Havelock North High School paddler Sophie Tasker, nominated for Marathon Athlete of the Year, and Taradale High School student Claudine Meerlo, who was a member of the Asia Pacific New Zealand U16 K4 team shortlisted for Team of the Year.
Hawke’s Bay Kayak Racing Club said the combined success at the regatta and the national awards marks a strong start to the 2026 season.
Athletes and coaches will now turn their attention to the New Zealand Nationals in April, where competitors from U12s to elite categories will race for national titles.
