Event Management
An event of this size requires professional planning. Pene Hemi from The Event Team is the Event Manager. Pene has been working hard throughout this year with the NKOA Worlds Committee to produce an event that will be a quality showcase of our sport, both locally and to our international visitors.

Race Director
Maggie Greening is our Race Director. Maggie has extensive experience in running our own nationals, as well as being a senior NZ officlal at many World Championships. Maggie and her team intend to put on the best-ever organized Worlds.

New Waka
It is an IVF rule that new waka be built for each World Championships. The contract for this Worlds was awarded to Moana Nui – Mahimahi for the W6 and W12 events and Surfriggers (Mk II) for the W1s. Building of the waka is now well advanced. Thanks go to Tainui which has made available interim storage facilities at Hopu Hopu for all the waka required to run the event.

Some clubs have placed an order for W6’s which will be available immediately after the Worlds week is over. NKOA has made no decision about on-selling any of the W1s.

Aotearoa Paddlers
After an intensive selection process Aotearoa’s paddling contingent has been selected. Paddlers and teams are training hard and we look forward to seeing them out on the water, competing for their country in our traditional black uniform.

Lake Karapiro
Extensive upgrading work is underway at the Lake Karapiro venue. The Waipa District Council has been very receptive to our request for improvements to the on-site facilities. Latest reports are that the lake is free of weed.

The World's Week
The official programme begins on Thursday, 16 March 2006 with the blessing of the waka – at Lake Karapiro, 6am The waka will then be available for practicing.

The opening ceremony will follow a parade of teams in Cambridge on Monday, 20 March.

Racing begins on the Tuesday and continues through the week until Saturday. The full race programme is currently being made up and will be posted on the website when it is complete.

A Cultural Evening is being held at Mystery Creek on the Thursday evening, 23 March. This will be a highlight of the Worlds, with cultural performances from many of the competing countries. We are planning for a never-to-be–forgotten show from our country's own top performers.

The Worlds week will end with a Closing Ceremony and Party at Mystery Creek on the evening of Saturday 25th March.

Spectators/ Supporters
Every effort possible is being put in to setting up a venue which is not only great for competitors, but also spectators. Spectators will have access to excellent vantage points of the race course and there will be plenty of food and goods stalls. Obviously, we would like to see as many waka ama whanau and friends as possible attend the event to support our paddlers.

Media Coverage
Media coverage is still being negotiated with Maori TV. We expect daily highlights packages and hopefully also coverage on TV1. Local newspapers and radio will provide extensive coverage throughout the event.