Aotearoa Para Mixed
OUR TEAM
Makuini Johnson
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
He waka eke noa - can't do this without acknowledging the support of my whanau (Mum, dad, Nige, kids), friends (Ngawai, Craig, Mete, Noki, Jane), Para Waka team, Te Pou funding, TWoA and Ngati Hangarau hapu.
.
Melanie Ryding
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank each and every person who played a part whether it be big or small, throughout my sporting journey to get me to this point.
Jo Beverland
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My husband and whanau, my Para team mates, our coach and managers, and the team at NZ Waka Ama
Mii Pepe
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Vaka Manu club.
Karl Hobman
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I'd like to thank my partner MC for her support and my PCKC family, without them I wouldn't be in this position..
Pieta Bouma
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my parents and everyone else who supports me wherever my journey takes me.
Wallace Noble
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Parihaka Waka Ama Club for getting me started, in particular Tracy Gilmore
Ahuriri Houkamou
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Roni and Myka Nuku from Haeata Ocean Sports, WANZ for this fabulous opportunity. My whānau tata and whānui. My wife Angela for always being my biggest supporter.
Christine Walters
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Big thanks goes to Sheryl Rangiawha and our paddling crew for your ongoing support with training each week. Aaron, Dave, DK, SI, Steve, Sean, Conan and the Whaingaroa Whanua for all your support over the years.
Also to our adaptive paddles and whanau for your support, you all are truly valued.
And I'm grateful for the support from coaches and management pasted and present, your dedication has provide myself and the team, a strong foundation to reach our goals.
Wayne Trott
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Aaron, Dave, DK, Si, Steve and the Whaingaroa Whanua for all your support over the years.
Also to Waka Ama NZ, coaches and management for all the amazing work you do for us all.
Ahuriri Houkamou
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Would like to thank the lady that has taken our sport to the next level and would never take any credit for it. Thank you Lara Collins much appreciated.
Ben Hekenui
He mihi aroha ♡ Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Would like to thank everyone that has supported me in this journey
Coach - Corrina Gage
Paddler and coach extraordinaire
Corrina has been actively involved with the sport of Waka Ama in New Zealand since 1990, participating in the World Sprints hosted at Orakei Basin and never looking back. An accomplished athlete and outdoor pursuits enthusiast, Corrina quickly became immersed in the Waka Ama scene, both at home and around the globe, participating in and winning Molokai Na Wahine o ke Kai events, and national and world championships events. Corrina also became involved with the administration of the sport, firstly through the Te Waiariki Purea Trust and then the national body of Nga Kaihoe o Aotearoa in the 90’s and then again in 2008. Corrina is an accomplished coach and is renowned for her coaching skills globally. She has contributed to the sport’s legacy here in Aotearoa in many ways - as a paddler, coach, administrator and respected leader within our community. Her input into our coaching framework and modules has been invaluable, and her skills are sought after both here and internationally.
Corrina continues to compete at the highest level and sets the bar very high for all who would follow in her wake.
Co-Manager - Marinna Millanta-Lowrey
What has been the highlight of the campaign for you so far?
Delving in the adaptive paddler arena - it has been a whole new place of learning for me - I've really enjoyed with a group of fun, keen and committed individuals - it's been an absolute joy to be a part of their journey on this year's campaign.
What do you enjoy most about being a Coach/Manager?
Working with a great group of people not only at the management level and with the national body but with the individuals we are here to support - our Para / Adaptive whanau.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for supporting you on this journey?
Waka Ama New Zealand have been fantastic support (Lara, Tara, Deb and Amiria), my colleagues I work alongside on this campaign with (Nath and Corrie), my Hawaikinui Tuarua local worlds training crew, the husband who never knows where I'm gonna be from one weekend to the next - love ya honey! Last but not least the mighty Waka Ama New Zealand Para/Adaptive team of 2022: Ahuriri, Ben, George, Karl, Mii, Wally, Wayne, Christine, Jo, Makuini, Melanie, Pieta and our supports Angela and Nigel
-95avkj.png)
Co-Manager - Nathan Tuuta
What has been the highlight of the campaign for you so far?
Working with the amazing Para paddlers
What do you enjoy most about being a Coach/Manager?
Being part of the WANZ whanau
Is there anyone you would like to thank for supporting you on this journey?
My Whanau, my co-manager Marinna and Coach Corrina
