This page will be the hub of information for the 2023 IVF Va'a World Distance Aotearoa Campaign to be held in Samoa, 10-19th August 2023

Aotearoa Pukapuka Aratohu (Handbook)

This pukapuka aratohu (handbook) is for the Aotearoa team travelling to the IVF World Distance Champs in Samoa, 10-19 August 2023. Within this pukapuka aratohu contains a summary of information for paddlers, coaches, and managers relevant to the event logistics. This also includes general information for any whānau and friends travelling to Samoa to support our contingent.

Any updates during the event will be communicated directly to managers from the area coordinators.

Please find attached Aotearoa Pukapuka Aratohu (handbook)


Elite Training Camp 22/23 July 

Waka Ama NZ will host all Aotearoa teams for a combined training camp in Tāmaki, 22/23 July 2023. This will also include a uniform presentation on Saturday evening. The camp and presentation will take place the Waka Ama NZ office.

Hyundai Marine Sports Centre
8/10 Tāmaki Drive, Ōrākei, Auckland

Please read the attached pānui for full information and schedule of the weekend.


Travel Insurance

Waka Ama NZ has managed to secure comprehensive Travel Insurance for our New Zealand Teams and Management which is available to anyone travelling to Samoa as part of the IVF World Distance Championship New Zealand contingent. The insurance is underwritten by Chubb. 

Please ensure you read the information provided and the attachments via the following link:

More Info

Once you have read and understood the information provided, you can purchase the insurance here:

Click here to purchase


Aotearoa Worlds Merchandise 2023

Pre-Order on sale now! Shop open until 10 July. Get in quick!
Pre-order now and pick up at Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, Auckland, 22/23 July (9am-1pm) or shipping starts 24 July. NZ orders and shipping only. Full merch options online!
Shop



Aotearoa Worlds Uniform 2023

The official team uniform for our Aotearoa kaihoe heading to Samoa in August for the 2023 World Distance Champs. E rere ana ngā mihi ki Ara Auaha Ben (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) for the amazing design. Thanks also to our uniform and merchandise supplier Pure Athletic.

The central haehae pattern represents Mai Ana, the current that our tūpuna had to paddle on to bring us from from Hawaiki to Aotearoa, this is a deep connection between Aotearoa and the rest of the world. The patterns connects the wearer to their ancestors as they too, navigate the waters of the world. The mirrored pattern on both sides of Mai Ana is the kaihoe journey to take their place as part of the Aotearoa Worlds team. Puhoro patterns have been used to show the swiftness each kaihoe has to display on their journey. The mangōpare designs show the strength of each kaihoe and the koru are used to show the wider support each kaihoe has had to get them to the world stage.


Aotearoa Elite Team 2023

KIA HIWA RĀ! KIA HIWA RĀ! NGĀ KAIHOE O AOTEAROA - SAMOA 2023

Congratulations to the following kaihoe on their selections for the 2023 IVF Va'a World Distance Event in the Para Mixed, J19 Men, J19 Women, Open Men and Open Women.

A massive congratulations to our V1 and age division crews who qualified at the recent 2023 Long Distance Nationals in Whitianga.

On behalf of Waka Ama NZ thank you to our Elite coaches and managers, all paddlers who put their names forward for this campaign and the many organisation and clubs from around the motu who continue to support this campaign - Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa!


J16 Wāhine
Riria ATA
Ella AUGUST
Hinekahukura BROOKING
Kaiarahi BROOKING-HAAPU
Nueva TE WHATA
Marnie TOLOA
Chelsea RETI

J16 Tāne
Liam NEPE
Maia CAMPBELL
Elite RETI
Kane SOTO
Kaedyn THRUPP
Marlin TOLOA
Kyan AYTON

Master 40 Wāhine
Bernie MURCH
Sara WILLIAMS
Roni NUKU
Vesna RADONICH
Amy RENALL
Geni WALTERS

Master 40 Tāne
Carl BARNES
Jason BURGESS
Bryce IRVING
Sam MISIEPO
Justin ROBERTS
Mark Malaki WILLIAMS

Master 50 Wāhine
Kristin EDGE
Moana ERUERA
Esther EVES
Rachael BLACKMORE
Ngaire PEHI
Mary SISSONS

Master 50 Tāne
Grant BARRIBALL
Max HOLDER
Darryl HYNE
Gordon MCKAY
Bevan ROOZENDAAL
Adrian TUKAKI

Master 60 Wāhine
Audrey WIKIRIWHI
Corina GAGE
Nyree KING
Gaylene MACFARLANE
Henrietta SAKEY
Analatu WOLFGRAMM-MCKAY
Marinna MILLANTA-LOWREY

Master 60 Tāne
Whitiora HAKU
William HALKYARD
Daniel KAIAWE
David KING
Alistair ROBINSON
George THOMAS

Master 70 Wāhine
Jan BLYTHE
Kura HEKE
Carol HUNTER
Louise HENDERSON
Gaylene SCIASCIA
Liz WEBSTER
Barbara RUDD

Master 70 Tāne
Skin (Laurence) ATKINS
Mike HICKSON
Paora HOWE
Maurice MARVIN
Taute TOCKER
Paul WOODS





Aotearoa Coaches & Managers 2023

Waka Ama NZ is pleased to announce the following coaches as the Aotearoa Elite Coaches for the 2023 Samoa IVF Va'a World Distance Championships.

Elite J19 Women:
Coach - Sieda Tureia, Manager - Florrie Brooking

Elite J19 Men:
Coach - Patrick Rimene, Manager Kath Rimene

Elite Open Women:
Coach - Roni Nuku, Manager - Teress Nuku

Elite Open Men: 
Coach - Tupuria King, Manager - Irenee Cooper

Elite Para Mixed:
Coaches - Corina Gage and Nathan Tuuta, Manager - Marinna Millanta-Lowrey


Aotearoa National Coach Applications

Applications are now open for the 2023 National Coaches for the J19 Men, J19 Women, Premier Men and Premier Women. Please see attached more information including Job Description and Application form

Read More


Aotearoa Age Division Team & V1 Selection

Check out the link below for all information regarding Age Division Teams and V1 Selection for the 2023 World Distance Championships. National Age Division teams and V1 representation in age divisions will be determined at the 2023 Long Distance Nationals – held in April 2023 in Whitianga.

The following age groups must follow the intent process:
J16 Men & Women
Master 40 Men & Women
Master 50 Men & Women
Master 60 Men & Women
Master 70 Men & Women
Master 75 Men & Women
Master 80 Men & Women

Read More

Attachments