"If you can paddle it you can enter it" - that's the message from Parihaka Sports Club who are inviting people to join them to celebrate Matariki - Maori new year.
The 3rd 'Hoe Matariki' (Paddle for Maori New Year) will be held on Saturday at Beach Rd, Onerahi foreshore.
There will be a
5km race for novice or junior paddlers, 10km for the next level and 15km races for those more experienced.
Races are open for waka ama - outrigger canoes -, surf skis, kayaks and the latest craze stand up paddle boards.
"If you have ever wanted to take a look at wakaama this will be a great event to get to. People will be able to see most of the races from the Onerahi foreshore," Parihaka club captain James Barrett said.
The day starts at 8am with karakia, followed by races throughout the day.
"Matariki is a special time of year so what better way to celebrate than by doing something we love - paddling," Mr Barrett said.
"It's also a bit of a challenge for our newest members to get out there and participate in their first race. We really want to encourage anybody who paddles whether it be a kayak or a surfski to come and join us."
The inaugural Hoe Matariki trophy, named Taonga o Marie, will also be awarded.
It is a special trophy gifted by whanau who whakapapa to the Hokianga.
In 1990, for the bicentennial Waitangi Day celebrations, our waka was rowed from Auckland to Spirits Bay in a seagoing rowing scull.
"We were gifted this carved taonga, made from a fallen branch of Tane Mahuta by master carver Mark Klaricich (Hokianga). This taonga was our kaitiaki to guide and protect us on our journey. It seems right to now award this to a Club to recognise untold stories of many challenges, not necessarily for winning but more a combined achievement at a club level," Gail Ambler, Parihaka Sports Club Chairperson.
Last year this taonga was presented by Kaipara wakaama club Nga Hoe Uranga ki Kaipara and awarded to Tutukaka based club Te Puu Ao. This year Te Puu Ao will present the taonga to the club of their choice.
