Students use handcrafted Waka Ama hoe for comp

Students use handcrafted Waka Ama hoe to prepare for international competition in Rarotonga

Secondary school students from Te Wananga o Te Rangi Aniwaniwa in Awanui who crafted their own waka ama hoe at NorthTec last year used their hoe to prepare for an international Waka Ama competition in Rarotonga – with great results.

Most of the hoe were named by the students to honour the connection they felt with their handcrafted blades and the mauri with which they were embued. The students used their hoe in their personal training in preparation for their races in Rarotonga and at the national Waka Ama sprints. Official competition hoe were used in the team events in Rarotonga.

The Rangaunu Niwa girls team achieved second place in the 12km race and second place in the 15km race with the Rangaunu Tamara Ma boys team achieving third place in the W6 500m race and third place in the 15km race.

The students made their hoe during a block course with NorthTec tutor Roger Rhodes last year. Coach Mrs Halkyard-Harawira from Te Wananga o Te Rangi Aniwaniwa usually locks up the team sets of paddles but wanted students to fashion their own blades so they could train whenever they were free. "The students thoroughly enjoyed learning the practical skills needed to make their own hoe. They are proud to use them for training and in individual races at the national open Waka Ama sprints this year at Lake Karapiro. Hirikia Murray shaped a steerers' blade and prefers to use his hoe in competition.

“It has been a fantastic journey for our rangatahi and we are thrilled with the results they have achieved in making the hoe. We wish to thank the two specialist boatbuilding tutors from NorthTec, Roger Rhodes and Rob Dainty, for their enthusiasm, patience and advice on smoothing out some rough spots. The kids were engaged throughout the course.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media