Skip Content
Waka Ama Kaiako: Paddy (Patrick) Rimene

Sponsorship for the lower North Island waka ama event scheduled for this weekend will help contribute to growing the number of people involved in the sport.

The continued sponsorship by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa will provide support for the Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association (Hoe Tonga), which is hosting its W6 Regional Sprints competition at Henley Lake Park in Masterton this 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 again 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 Hoe Tonga region,” 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.

Hoe Tonga have training and development needs within its membership and have granted a non-exclusive endorsement to the Level 4 Waka programme through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa as one mechanism to achieving its strategic objectives.

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

Find out more about our Waka Ama programmes

 Back to news & events

Published On: 10 December 2021

Article By: Brendon Morgan



Other Articles

  • 15 October 2025

    Building a beauty brand through education and drive

    At just 21, Maata Morrell-Dzilic is building a thriving beauty brand with the support of business education from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her passion, determination, and study in small business and project management are fuelling her entrepreneurial success.

  • 08 October 2025

    From paddling to politics: a journey for reo, rights and representation

    Bevan O’Connor’s journey from waka ama to the political stage is powered by his passion for te reo Māori and Māori rights. Discover how his studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and deep connection to te ao Māori are shaping his campaign for the Takitimu Māori Ward.

  • 23 September 2025

    HRC Maternal Health Inequity Report

    New research led by Dr Sarah Lockwood highlights critical gaps in maternity care during Cyclone Gabrielle, urging the Government to include midwifery and Māori leadership in emergency planning. The report calls for equity-focused reforms to protect pregnant women and whānau in climate crises.

  • 18 September 2025

    From Wānanga baby to Wānanga tauira

    Ripekka Matthews’ lifelong connection to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa began as a child and continues today through her te reo Māori studies. Discover how her journey from wānanga baby to tauira reflects whānau legacy, cultural identity, and the transformative power of education.