On Labour Weekend we celebrated the fifth annual Ki Uta Ki Tai Waka Ama Challenge on the beautiful Lake Te Anau in Fiordland. While the weather was cold and wet, the wairua was warm and the water was perfect for paddling. This year over 35 teams competed across 1.5km, 3km, 5km novice, 10km and 15km race distances in W1, W2 and W6 waka over the day. This waka ama challenge is about connecting whānau to te taiao (the natural environment), physical activity, hauora (holistic health) and bringing people together. Alongside the event we ran a market of kai, coffee, mirimiri, education and health promotion and, supported local whānau carving, pounamu and rāranga businesses. A massive mihi to all involved; especially to our safety boaties, the many volunteers and whānau who tautoko the kaupapa and to our NKMP kaimahi whānau. Ka nui te aroha ki a koutou katoa.
This event is delivered by Kōrari the Māori Public Health team here at Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu in conjunction with Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka.
