Medal haul in Australia
A Te Tii waka ama star has succeeded at the recent IVF Va’a World Elite and Club sprint champs held on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. Ruamano Herewini, the only junior representative for New Zealand from the far north, came away with a medal of every colour. The 15-year-old won gold in the J16 sections, V12 500m, silver in the V6 1000m and bronze in the V6 500m. He also finished eighth in the world for his solo event.
The silver and bronze medals were won in a combined Te Tii and Whangarei team named Fat Oysters but for the gold medal win this team combined with an Auckland group to be called Fat to the Max.
Kaiohe o Ngati Rehia Trust spokesman Daniel Kaiawe says the sport is all about the connection to the water, the land and to the people.
‘‘It’s a spiritual and physical journey. You learn about respect for people and being humble. The whole family can paddle in the waka and compete together.’’
Paddlers from Kaitaia also contributed strongly to the New Zealand medal haul.
Rose King of Taipa claimed gold in the elite women V12 500m, V6 1500m and the V6 500m.
Along with younger sister Riana, they featured in the Hourata Waka Ho Kaiarahi Toa team which won the Open Women V12 500m title.
Their brother Tupu King also won gold in the Elite Men V6 500m and gold in the open men V6 500m and 1500m races.
The May 5-15 event was hosted by the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association.