In January 2021 our Club Tu Tangi Ora was awarded with the prestige taonga “The Ace Cuthers Memorial Club Spirit Award”. This award is annually chosen by Volunteers and Officials at the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa National Sprint Championships. It was carved by Matahi Whakataka Brightwell and named in honour of Greg ‘Ace’ Cuther, a special man that was instrumental in making Waka Ama the sport it is today. This award represents the values of Waka Ama, Manaakitanga, Whanaungtanga, Hauora and Tu Tangata, which we as a Club encourages the same values. We are so proud and honoured for this award. It means so much to be recognised within the waka whanau that saw our Club displaying great values, keeping Ace's memory alive and joining a long list of wonderful Clubs that has received this prestige taonga before us. 

I have been honoured to be part of Tu Tangi Ora since 2014, which was founded by Israil Foreman in 2008. Israil is the Director of Sports at Kaipara College and a well known gentleman in the sport of Waka Ama. He brings knowledge and an abundance of skill to our members. College students become members of Tu Tangi Ora when they sign up for college waka ama. Our membership has increased over the years with primary, college and adult paddlers, as Waka Ama is a sport that connects people of all ages. Every event brings together clubs from around New Zealand and it truly feels like whanau.

Our club is situated in Helensville beside the Kaipara River. Kaipara Cruising and Sport Fishing Club has sponsored our club, with our beautiful wee club room that’s full of character, and storage area for all our waka and trailers. They believe Waka Ama is great for the community. 

Tu Tangi Ora was named by Richard Nahi which means to “Stand and Cry Life” 

The Taonga is proudly displayed at Kaipara College and ready to hand over to the next worthy recipient 

We are so pleased Lara and Debbie made the trip to our awa.