Waka ama paddle into capital for Matariki
Hundreds of kaihoe (paddlers) will this weekend take to Wellington Harbour as part of the city’s celebrations of the Matariki constellation re-appearing in the winter sky.
The annual Matariki Harbour Challenge kicks off tomorrow with more than 40 waka ama – or outrigger canoes – taking part.
‘‘This is a very important moment for local iwi and Ma¯ori culture,‘‘ organiser Matt Ammunson-Fyall said. ‘‘For us, it’s a time to share [our] knowledge, not just in the water. It’s a wider celebration.
‘‘It’s important to remember that this is not only a New Zealand sport. The waka ama has its origins in Polynesia and this is also a great opportunity to maintain that link with the culture.’’
Six paddlers work as a team over two courses of either 8 kilometres for beginners or 16km for the more experienced.
It will be the second time Wellington City has hosted the event.
Ammunson-Fyall said the level of interest in the event this time around was unprecedented.
‘‘It’s the largest canoe competition we have ever had in the region. We’ve got 239 paddlers competing and we’re expecting more than 500 spectators.’’
Junior athletes will join New Zealand’s top teams, with the Harbour Challenge being one of the last chances to train before the world championships in Tahiti next month. Matariki Harbour Challenge, Te Wharewaka O Po¯neke, on Wellington’s waterfront, tomorrow from 9am. In the event of poor weather, it will be moved to Hikoikoi Waka Ama Club in Petone.