The inaugural ‘Hoe Matariki’ (Paddle for Maori New Year) will be held on Saturday 27th June at Beach Rd, Onerahi foreshore. There will be a 5km race for novice or junior paddlers, and 15km races for those more experienced.

Races will be open for wakaama (outrigger canoes), surf skis, kayaks and the latest craze stand up paddle boards. ‘If you have ever wanted to take a look at wakaama this will be a great event to get to.

People will be able to see most of the races from the Onerahi foreshore” says Parihaka chairperson Richard Pehi.

The day is starting at 9am with karakia, followed by races throughout the day. “Matariki is a special time of year so what better way to celebrate than by doing something we love – paddling” says Mr Pehi. “It’s also a bit of a challenge to ourselves to get out there and paddle mid-winter. We really want to encourage anybody who paddles – whether it be a kayak or a surfski to come and join us” he says.

The inaugural Hoe Matariki trophy will also be awarded. This is a special trophy gifted by club member Gail Ambler. “In 1990, for the bicentennial Waitangi Day celebrations, my partner rowed from Auckland to Spirits Bay in a seagoing rowing scull.

We were gifted this carved taonga, made from a fallen branch of Tane Mahuta by master carver Mark Klaricich (Hokianga). This taonga was our kaitiaki to guide and protect us on our journey.

It seems right to now award this to a Club to recognise untold stories of many club members – not necessarily for winning but more an achievement at a personal level. What better way to celebrate with whanau at Hoe Matariki’ says Ms Ambler.

Parihaka Sports Club are a reasonably new wakaama club that have been operating out of Kissing Point for the last four years. During this time they have been grateful for the use of 155 Community house waka.