The process started May 2009 and there have been many who have shared our journey – we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the following people and clubs for their huge contributions in our pursuit of World excellence;

* Ruamata - Rotorua
* Te Au Rere Waka Ama – Rotorua
* Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao – Tauranga
* Te Pou Herenga Waka – Auckland
* Manukau Outriggers – Auckland
* Parihaka Sports Club - Whangarei
* Te Waiariki Purea Trust – Rotorua
* Te Wananga o Aotearoa – Rotorua/Hamilton
* Ike, Kiri, and whanau of Tama Te Kapua Marae Trust – Rotorua
* Betty and whanau of Te Ao Marama – Rotorua
* Pacific Rhythm Waka Wear (Dan Mana-Daniel) – Auckland
* Stitch n Print (Frank Taylor) – Auckland
* Peter Waru & Co – Rotorua
* Māori TV - Auckland & Rotorua

Thank you also to each person who supported our fundraising by purchasing one of our tshirts or singlets and becoming a part of Team Aotearoa. Most importantly, we would also like to give a heartfelt “thanks” to the partners or wives, tamariki and whanau of each of the men for the support and sacrifices of $ and time to get your hubby/dad/son/bro to training, trials, camps and Noumea. It’s been a journey not for the faint hearted, so hugest thanks for your ongoing support.

Gratitude to our amazing coaching team – Corrina Gage, Rob Taggart, Mike Nuku and Tim Tapsell
Humblest thanks to our management team of – Analatu Wolfgramm-MacKay, Rozel Coffin, Marinna Millanta-Lowrey, Hellen Messenger, Keri Denham, Rob Kraak and Jaroz Adams.

All that’s left to do is pack our uniforms, paddles, hug the whanau and board the plane. We go to Noumea knowing that we represent whanau and country, we go with enthusiasm, excitement, knowing we will do our best and most importantly with Aotearoa PRIDE in our hearts.

Nga Mihi, Nga Mihi nga whanau o Waka Ama
Mauri ora

Aotearoa/NZ Mens Worlds Campaign 2010