Northland paddlers ready for racing in Rarotonga

The traditional blessing of canoes at Vaka Eiva in Raotonga.

Northland paddlers took part in the official blessing of the waka at the opening ceremony of a paddling event in the Cook Islands today. (Saturday NZ time)

The 10th anniversary of Vaka Eiva in Rarotonga starts tomorrow (Sunday NZ times) with 1000 international paddlers and 200 locals battling it out on the warm pacific waters.

There are teams from Australia, Canada, California, Hawaii, Tahiti and the Cook Islands who have entered this years racing. Northland is well represented in the senior divisions as well as the junior racing.

The Blessing of the canoes was held at Avarua Wharf today, with seven of 10 new waka being blessed.

Paddlers from the different nations stood by the waka and hundreds of others watched on during the traditional ceremony.

Each of the waka had water splashed on them and a karakia delivered to protect all those who paddle in them.

Tomorrows races start with the 12km single races . Races stops on Sunday but on Monday there will be the iron races.

The Island comes alive during the week-long event with special night markets and local trade days.

Our reporter Kristin Edge is in Rarotonga and will be sending back results.