Due to the unprecedented nature of COVID-19, the resulting cancellation of the 2020 Long Distance Nationals and the impact this has had on the Te Waka o Aoraki region as hosts; The Board of Waka Ama New Zealand has made the decision to push out the hosting dates of the Long Distance Nationals by 1 year. It will also push the Waka Ama NZ hosting year out from 2025 to 2027 to complete the rotation cycle. 

This will mean that Te Waka o Aoraki will become the host of the 2021 Long Distance Nationals – The date is subject to confirmation with the office of Waka Ama New Zealand.  As soon as the date and venue booking is confirmed we will advise the membership.

The new Regional hosting cycle for Long Distance Nationals is as per below:

Please note: at this time no decision has been made regarding how selections for the New Zealand Representation at the 2021 IVF World Distance Championship will take place. That decision will be confirmed by the Board of Waka Ama New Zealand in August this year.

We know that many clubs and paddlers were looking forward to paddling in Waitohi - Picton for the first time and we look forward to seeing you all there in 2021.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]