A new event sponsorship for lower North Island waka ama events scheduled for the next two weekends will help contribute to growing the number of people involved in the sport.

The sponsorship by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa will provide support for the Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association (Hoe Tonga), which is hosting its W1 Regional Sprints competition at Henley Lake Park in Masterton this weekend, with the W6 competition at the same venue next weekend.

Hoe Tonga is the organisation representing waka ama in the lower North Island and has a vision to see more people participating, enjoying and achieving in waka ama.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kairuruku hauora Brendon Morgan says Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is excited to be supporting the regional sprints competition with Hoe Tonga.

“Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is a big supporter of waka ama and our participation at the regionals is aimed at growing awareness and participation in the kaupapa, especially here in the lower North Island,” he says.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa provides the Level 4 Certificate in Waka programme in Masterton. The programme develops students’ confidence and skills in tikanga waka, along with teaching, water safety, waka types, history and traditions, tikanga Māori and whakapapa. Students also complete the Coastguard Boating Education Day Skipper qualification.

“Together with Hoe Tonga, we hold the steering hoe (paddle) together in this event and we are proud to support the whānau this weekend and the ongoing growth of Waka Ama in the region.”

For more information on this weekend’s competition, go to: https://hoetonga.co.nz/2020/10/20/hoe-tonga-regional-sprints-2020/