Waka ama club puts grant into new paddles

Te Kaihau O Kupe Waka Ama chairman Tahi Nepia demonstrates best paddle technique. Photo/Supplied

Whanganui group Te Kaihau O Kupe Waka Ama will be purchasing some new paddles after receiving a grant from the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT).

The group was one of eight local groups to receive a grant from the latest round in the region.

Club chairman Tahi Nepia said the $5000 grant would enable the club to purchase some paddles in different sizes to accommodate the range of membership.

"We have members ranging from 16 to 86 and it is important to have the right sizes.

"The paddles can be quite expensive so this grant is a big help."

Nepia said the older paddlers do very well and a group in their 60s and 70s are the most regular attendees.

Other groups to receive grants were: Collegians Women's Hockey Club, Wanganui Area Neighbourhood Support Groups, Women's Network Whanganui, Wanganui City Football Club, Wanganui Marist Rugby Club and Whanganui Football.

The most sizeable grant of $32,000 was awarded to the Wanganui Swimming Club.

The grant would go towards the cost of pool lane hire and salaries for the junior and head swimming coaches.

Whanganui venues that contributed to the grants were Caroline's Boatshed, Castlecliff Hotel, Red Lion Inn, Shotz, Stellar Bar and Tandoori Spice Bar.