"Utaina ki runga i te waka o te Rangimārie me te Manawanui" - PKW joins iwi relations in waka ama day out

An inter-office end-of-year celebration at Ngāmotu Beach was an example of whanaungatanga at its best, along with some friendly competition on the water.

On December 22, staff from iwi offices for Te Atiawa, Taranaki, Ngāti Maru and Parininihi ki Waitōtara (PKW), along with whānau members, enjoyed shared kai, volleyball, impromptu kapa haka and a waka ama race to wind down from what was a hectic year for all.

“It was promoted as a day in the sun with whānau with a bit of waka ama involved, however, you know how it goes, once you get on the water all bets are off. It’s bragging rights for a whole year,” says Paora Rauputu (Ngāti Maniapoto), Te Rau Atawhaiwhai at PKW.

Three double-hull waka ama with 12 people in each, paddled up and down the harbour of Port Taranaki, ending with “a bit of sprint at the end”.

Paora, who had a shoulder injury at the time, says the waka were too far out for him to see who crossed the line first and he was coy about naming the winner. “But PKW looked strong,” he says.

“These days are invaluable for us as Māori organisations; it doesn’t need to be a hard-out sports competition – it’s just about being together and enjoying the taiao with others.

“There’s something magical for me being out on the water – it’s calming and definitely creates a bonding session being out there with your office and team.”

The get-together opened with karakia from Wharehoka Wano and then a mihi from Nathan Tuuta, one of the waka ama tuākana on hand.

“He spoke of the importance of that land to his people –the mana whenua and mana moana, and the hapū for that area, Ngāti Te Whiti.”

Nathan, wife Marlene (Taranaki Outrigger Canoe Club) and fellow tuākana, Brendon Rei and Taare Ruakere (Otaikokako Waka Ama Taranaki), explained some of the intricacies of the waka, covering safety and paddling techniques.

At the conclusion of the day, representatives from PKW and the iwi offices each spoke on behalf of their organisations and wished everyone a safe and happy Christmas with their whānau.

Paora believes an important part for Māori businesses is the whakawhanaunga aspect and aligning with other organisations that share the same whakapapa-based values.

“We came back to the office buzzing but exhausted from the day out with our cousins,” he says. “We definitely need to do this again, but next time a trophy should be up for grabs.”