River regatta celebrates ‘waka people’
The Turangawaewae Waka Regatta is a chance to admire the beautiful waka but also to celebrate being waka people, says race co-ordinator Ikimoke Tamakitakarei.
The regatta had 8000 visitors last year and, when the final count is done, was expected to have seen similar numbers through this year.
Tamaki-takarei said the annual event in Ngaruawahia was built on the famous proverbial saying of Waikato’s Te Puea Herangi, better known as Princess Te Puea.
‘‘Mahia te mahi hei painga mo te iwi (We strive every day to do the work for the betterment of the people),’’ Tamaki-takarei said.
‘‘This event brings us together again, on the banks of the Waikato River here at Turangawaewae marae to celebrate us being connected to our tupuna of Waikato and us being a waka people.
‘‘It’s been a tiring week for the hau kainga [locals working at the marae] but this is what they live for.’’
Tamaki-takarei spent the days leading up to the 122nd regatta teaching waka kopapa to primary school children at the Waikato River and the dedication paid off.
‘‘The last couple of days we’ve seen our primary schools come through and race waka kopapa and also we’ve seen our secondary schools come through and race their waka kopapa championships as well,’’ he said. ‘‘[It was] an opportunity to show that depth of waka within our blood. We have all our waka taua out on the water displaying their beauty.’’
It was also an opportunity for Turangawaewae to create relationships with different organisations, Tamaki-takarei said.
‘‘We [had] Fonterra at the regatta as well as the Waikato District Health Board and several others that have shown interest in a deep cultural event such as this regatta,’’ he said.
‘‘So many whanau of many cultures enjoyed a nice sunny day – not just Maori. Even our Pakeha friends attended. That’s what the regatta is all about: coming together as one whanau, enjoying the food, enjoying the races, the kapa haka and showing good leadership for our rangatahi.’’