Maggie Greening (President) and Louise Henderson (Treasurer) have both completed their terms on the executive. Each have contributed enormously to the Sport of Waka Ama having both have been involved in the sport for the best part of 2 decades they have given their time to our sport tirelessly and selflessly.

It is important that we never forget where we have come from and those who have brought us here, because without knowing where we have come from and how we got here, we can never know where we are going.

The Sport of Waka Ama has come a long way in 20 years, we have a National Club Championship that is second to none in terms of professionalism and participation, we have the fastest growing Secondary School Sport in the country and we are in the top 3 countries in the world on a competitive world stage. These are just some of the highlights of our sport, there are many many more, but none of them would have been made possible without the time and effort that Maggie and Louise have dedicated.

On behalf of NKOA and all the paddlers of Aotearoa we wish to thank Maggie and Louise for their contribution to the sport through the NKOA Council and hope that they will both be happy to remain in involved in the sport as there is no doubt that we need to tap into their knowledge and expertise as we move forward. We would also like to take the time to congratulate Maggie Greening on being elected as 2nd Vice President on the International Va Federation. This is a great achievement for Maggie and recognizes the contribution she has made to the sport on a world stage. We look forward to the IVF growing the sport internationally.

The New Appointments to the NKOA Council are:

	President - Lara Collins Lara has been paddling for 11 years and has competed at the highest level nationally and internationally. Lara was also instrumental in the establishment of National Secondary School Regatta in the country and through her work with College Sport Auckland brings over 12 years experience and contacts from in the Sports Industry.
	Vice President - Corrina Gage Corrina is a veteran of the sport who has excelled at every level and is highly regarded as a Coach and expert In this sport. Her name has been synonymous with Waka Ama in this country and throughout the pacific. Corrina also brings a sound knowledge of business planning and decision making as well as an obsession with the development of our sport in long distance and sprint racing.
	Treasurer - Alex Ryder Alex manages the website www.wakaama.co.nz, and helps run the systems at Regional, National, Secondary Schools and Worlds Sprint events. As well as his IT skills, Alex has a background in accounting and will be able to share his financial skills to help shape the future of our sport.
	Secretary - Charmaine Matiaha Charmaine retains the role of Secretary which she has held for the past 3 years. Charmaine has been involved with the Sport of Waka Ama for 13 years and has been involved in administration at Club, Regional and National level. Charmaine will use her administrative skills to ensure that communication is a key element of NKOA's function.