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33rd Annual Portage Crossing (Sanctioned)

Venue:

Okahu Bay, Tamaki Drive - Manukau Harbour, Mangere Bridge

Date:

Sat 15th Mar 2025

Distance:

18km-5km-5km

Host:

Portage Crossing Traditional Canoeing and Sailing Association

Contact Details

Name: Portage Crossing
Mobile: 021 0330 884.

Online Entries

2025 Portage Crossing Waiver Form.docx
33rd Portage Crossing Pānui (1).pdf

Description

BACKGROUND


Portage Crossing Trust welcome you to the 33rd Portage Crossing Regatta and free family festival. The regatta is a revival of the ancient Māori route first used by the Tainui waka captained by Hoturoa. This crossing between the Waitemata and Manukau harbours was also utilized by the early settlers of Mangere when transporting their fishing vessels between the harbours. This regatta starts at Okahu bay with Ngāti Whatua representatives leading the karakia for safe
journeys by paddlers and support boats.

Waka race from Okahu bay down Tamaki estuary to Nga Hau Maiangi waka ama club rooms Panama Road. Paddlers load their waka onto trailers which will be towed to the final leg of Portage Crossing at Mangere Inlet, Otahuhu. Paddlers are then welcomed by Tainui elders and kuia by a brief Powhiri in the NHM building. After the Powhiri the race director Jesse Papali’i will explain the next leg regarding paddlers doing a hikoi (walking) the 5km road section through Portage Road. 

At Mangere Inlet Otahuhu the race director will direct paddlers regarding the last leg as the novice section will paddle straight into festival at Mangere Bridge and others will paddle past two bridges and turn at first green pole returning to festival and finish line. The novice section and Jnr paddlers race starts at Panmure Wharf Tamaki Outrigger Canoe Club. Paddlers are then welcomed by Tainui Iwi, and we are represented by Ngāti Whatua elders when we walk onto reserve. The event
is a full day of fun and competitive racing, spot prizes, live music, food vendors, and free children’s rides. After the Powhiri prize giving with medals for placegetters regardless of how many teams in your category. All paddlers will receive a hangi and prize money totalling 3k (donated by Mereana Hona), will be divided amongst winners of each category.

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