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Aukaha

Aukaha is our regional development project, initiated and funded through the Sport NZ Strengthen and Adapt kaupapa. Aukaha aims to strengthen the capability, capacity, and system of waka ama in Aotearoa at a regional and local level so that waka ama can continue to grow, thrive, and adapt.

Aukaha can mean many things, however for the purpose of this kaupapa we have identified Aukaha as the lashing (of a waka) – binding our sport. Each layer of lashing provides strength and corresponds to each section and layer of this project, resulting in Waka Ama being stronger, providing longevity and being better prepared for our journey ahead.

Aukaha Project Plan

An Aukaha project plan has been developed to guide and support the implementation of the project. The project plan focusses on the following key areas:
  • Capability, capacity, collaboration and structure
  • Stakeholder relationships
  • Promotion and advocacy
  • Systems and tools
Below outlines the key outcomes the project aims to achieve.

Project Outcomes

  • Regional entities are fit for purpose and achieve their Regional Plans.
  • Enhanced volunteer capabilities and experiences.
  • An aligned, coordinated and collaborative workforce (paid and volunteer) achieving national, regional and local outcomes.
  • Knowledge and experience within our sport is shared via collaboration and sharing of best practice.
  • Enhanced communications and improved profile of Waka Ama at local, regional and national levels.
  • Enhanced participation, engagement, and experiences in waka ama.
  • New and improved stakeholder relationships that provide benefits at local, regional and national levels.
  • Increased funding and resources at local, regional, national level to support growth and delivery.

Aukaha Consultation

As part of the Waka Ama Strengthen and Adapt Project, community consultation was conducted with our waka ama whānau from mid-January to mid-February 2022. The consultation was hosted by Waka Ama NZ and facilitated by Tracey Diack (Sport NZ S&A Project Manager). The purpose of the consultation was for us to listen to our waka ama whānau and to understand the opportunities for, and barriers to, growth in a meaningful and sustainable way, with a focus on potential transformational changes to achieve the future we want. The following information provides a brief summary of the consultation findings.

Consultation Process
Consultations with our waka ama whānau included:
  • Regional entities survey
  • Online consultation with clubs from each region (online 90mins). Hosted by Waka Ama NZ and facilitated by Tracey Diack (project manager). 
  • Focus group discussions with Te Reo Taohi (Waka Ama NZ Youth Advisory Group), and Te Tohu Whakarewa Tāngata (Waka Ama NZ Hall of Fame group)
  • Regional Sports Trusts consultation (to provide a view of the future opportunities for waka ama at a regional level)

Findings Summary

Waka Ama NZ
There was positive feedback about Waka Ama NZ and the team in the office, however the following opportunities were identified of what Waka Ama NZ could do:
  • More regional support (workshops, templates, advice)
  • Doing and supporting promotion and advocacy
  • Providing opportunities for connections within the sport
  • Setting event standards

Regions

Regions are currently operating with limited capacity and little or no strategy or planning. They host regional events and, in some instances, undertake regional advocacy, fund applications, and club support. The following opportunities were identified:
  • Club development and support
  • Building relationships and partnerships
  • Greater promotion and advocacy
  • Bring clubs together for workshops and best practice sharing

Clubs

Clubs play an important role in promoting, developing and providing opportunities to participate in waka ama. Clubs foster and promote tikanga Māori, develop communities and whānau, encourage whanaungatanga, hauora and inclusion for all. A key barrier identified for clubs was their volunteer workforce capacity and capability. The following opportunities were identified:
  • Internal system development (communication, finances, websites, membership management etc.)
  • Development of administration and on water roles
  • Volunteer workforce capability and capacity

Participation Barriers

  • Negative experiences
  • Travel
  • Lack of support
  • Lack of paddlers in age divisions
  • Other commitments
  • Affordability

Opportunities

  • Improved communication processes
  • Sharing best practice
  • Online connections between clubs and regions
  • Increased regional strategic planning involving clubs and rangatahi
  • Leveraging economies of scale
  • Dedicated administration roles
  • Support volunteer workforce