One of Nga Kaitiaki Wakaama club goals for this year was o take as many junior teams as possible to Nationals 2008. 9 of the Junior crews were first timers to the National Sprints. Trainings for crews commenced 3 months out from Nationals, with most teams on the water at least 3 times a week.

Last year Kaitiaki Midget mens won a bronze medal - the first National Medal for Kaitiaki Wakaama Club.

Maanu Wikaira, coach of the 'Mighty Midgets' and 'Mana Boyz', led his boys to victory again, along with Trina Naera, coach of 'Hokianga Hard' and 'Stunna Souljahs', securing another 2 bronzes and a silver medal for the club.

9 of Maanus boys were first timers to Nationals this year as well as 'Hokianga Hard' and 'Stunna Souljahs' crews. Goes to show first-timers can cut it with the elite paddlers too.

The 'West Coast Paddlers' crew, coached by Aaron Thomas have been together for almost a year now, and recently competed at the Rarotonga Vakaeiva hoe-coming third in their respective long hoe. They were elated to have placed third at a National level this year.

Nga Kaitiaki Wakaama Club Secretary and Coach for 'Hokianga Angels', Bronnie Wikaira, was more then satisfied with her teams performance-a bronze medal in their first year as a midget girls crew. 'Hopefully the girls will stay together and paddle through the divisions over the next couple of years.

The coaching and support for all teams has been great. A big acknowledgment to all coaches and managers who have given their time and energies to make it happen. Some coaches were coaching 3 teams, now that's dedication for you.

Also thanks to 'Te Runanga o Ngapuhi' who sponsored us with funding, and 'Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Tonga o Hokianga' who supplied 'Kia Kaha' Hoe and Lifejackets for our Kura Kaupapa kids.

Watch out 2009, Nga Kaitiaki Wakaama club will be back!'

Wakaama is a whanau orientated sport in which everybody can participate in. Divisions start with Midgets (8-10) and ending with Kuia/Kaumatua-Golden Masters division (60+). Nga Kaitiaki Wakaama Club are always interested in new members.

If anyone is interested in joining a wakaama club in Taitokerau, go to www.wakaama.co.nz and click on the 'club list' link to find a club nearest you.

Final placings for Nga Kaitiaki Wakaama Club crews for 2008:

Bronze medalists 'Hokianga Angels' from left:
Bronwyn-Jacquiline Wikaira, Waimirirangi Neho-Hotere, Kaea Williams, Teina Morunga, Hinemoa Hau-Hadfield and Kohu Thomas.

Bronze medalists 'Mana Boys' and 'Stunna Souljahs' From left,
Wayne Iripa, David Wikaira, Te-Oranga Rawiri, Waiora Rawiri, Brian Wikaira, Hirini Wikaira, Corey Harawira, Vincent Lomas, Joseph Andrewes, Tangaroa Hau-Hadfield(In the back), Coree Te-Whata Colley and Codi Rogers.

Midget Silver and Bronze medalists "Mighty Midgets" in the singlets from left front:
Arama Wikaira, Shane Wikaira, Liam Colley, Brian Wikaira, Ian Wikaira and Te Wiremu Mercer.
Midget Bronze Medalists "Hokianga Hard" from back left:
Justin Broughton, Leonard Warwick, Nathan Pavich, Paris Moa, Kingi Rakete-Tane, Te-Hau Mitchell