Over 350 paddlers from 22 schools from Wellington and the Lower North Island, including from schools in Whanganui, Palmerston North, and Wairarapa competed in W1 (single) and W6 (team) events. This is a significant increase on previous years' numbers. You would think that COVID-19 would adversely impact participant numbers, but not so in waka ama.

With 59 teams competing for medals, and numerous supporters and volunteers, the foreshore at Onepoto in Porirua Harbour was packed.

Jörn Scherzer, Chair of Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association, the regional sports organisation championing the sport, says: "In the team events, Waka Ama sees six paddlers working together over 250m and 500m. In the 500m events, teams have to complete one turn at the 250m mark, so it is not just muscle and speed that counts, but also skill to turn efficiently."

In addition to placings, schools also competed for the School Excellence Award and the School Spirit Award.

The School Excellence Award recognises the school that accumulates the most points across all races, The winner this year was Te Kura Maori o Porirua, with 31 points, followed by Manukura (from Palmerston North) with 27 points, and in third place was Te Kura a iwi Whakatupuranga Rua Mano (from Otaki) with 24 points.

The School Spirit Award is given to the school that contributes the most towards the atmosphere and event delivery, and key volunteers are judging schools on their contribution. This year's winner of this award was Wellington East Girls College. 

Jörn Scherzer, 

Chair of Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association