John Maihi blesses the Moana Nui as it is taken out onto the Whanganui River yesterday morning. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
John Maihi blesses the Moana Nui as it is taken out onto the Whanganui River yesterday morning. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
Club competitors and school students alike will have the chance to take to the Whanganui River in a brand-new waka after the Moana Nui was unveiled at Putiki yesterday morning.
Whanganui Maaori Sports has gifted the new six-person craft to the community through the local club, Te Ringa Miti TaiHeke Whanganui Waka Ama.
TRMTH currently has one racing-single waka and five training-single wakas.
The bigger craft will help to keep those learning the sport interested as they won't have to wait for a turn and will build the confidence for singles competition by training with a crew boat, or vice versa.
Maaori Sports spokeswoman Janine Plumridge said the waka will also be available for all the local college teams.
"It can help with the club and when it comes time for secondary school nationals, having another that everyone can use."
The Moana Nui was collected from Whangarei, where it was built in a 12-week project.
After the blessing from kaumtua John Maihi, the waka was taken out for an inaugural paddle on the river. The 43-year-old Whanganui Maaori Sports will be holding another sports tournament soon.
