The seven-day event started on Sunday, with Lake Karāpiro surrounded by competitors and their supporters, and almost every patch of green grass taken up.
Food stalls from different origins were packedwith paddlers, eager to appease their appetite from a hard day of waka ama.
Retail stores added to the ambience and included Māori designers making and selling their own jewellery.
Family and friends of competitors have all set up in tents as they watch the Waka Ama championships take place at Lake Karāpiro. Photo / Malisha Kumar
Waka Ama chief executive Lara Collins said they were excited about this year’s event because it had been cancelled because of Covid-19, in 2022, and there had also been fewer competitors last year.
“We had 2700 paddlers last year and this year we have 3200 which is 500 more.
“It’s looking like life is getting more and more back to normal after the covid years, and it’s great.
