There were some other notable performances in what was the 32nd edition of the event – which started in 1990 with just 43 teams from 17 clubs. Manukau smashed the field in the 500m open men’s division, with 18-year-old rising star Kacey Ngataki stroking the team to victory; Pure OCC of Rotorua retained their open men’s 1500m title from last year; Kaihoe o Ngāti Rehia Trust took out nearly all the gold masters (50-plus) divisions; and Aoraki Matatu of the Te Waka Pounamu club won gold in the masters men’s W6 500m, and silver in the masters men’s W6 1000m.
Press Release – Waka Ama NZ
Today we had an entire day of finals, the energy was high, and the paddlers were on form with both turns and straight races – there was something for everyone.
Pure OCC, of Rotorua retained their 1500m title from last year in the open men’s division.
Kaihoe o Ngāti Rehia Trust took out almost all the Gold Masters divisions, they will take 5 Gold Medals home to the Tai Tokerau today, all won by paddlers 60+ years old.
Kaiarahi toa – of Gisborne’s Horouta club – smashed the field once again in the 1500m and 500m dominating the open women’s division for another year! Their name is Te Reo for “Champions” and they have every right to the claim. They placed first in every race in heats, semis and finals in the W6 500m, W12 500m and even the W6 1500m divisions.