The club, originally founded in 1987, has been instrumental in the growth and development of waka ama. Last year they decided to train 25 tamariki aged 8-13 for the Trans-Tasman Championships in Queensland. What does it mean for a small, rural group of tamariki to prepare for an international competition? Hours and hours of training, skill building, and fundraising, all while learning about the history and tikanga of waka ama. The opportunity to compete internationally was not just about the competition, but the journey to get there. Nga Hoe Horo sees waka ama as a vehicle for local tamariki for personal development. The tamariki that were preparing to compete all increased their self confidence as well as supporting and encouraging each other. When it came to raising funds for the trip, the team all chipped in preparing kai and tidying up. For most of the team it was their first time travelling overseas which was an exciting experience. A huge community effort went into ensuring that the tamariki were prepared, and that hard work and dedication paid off when the four teams brought back a whopping total of 151 medals! Nga Hoe Horo Chairman Tony Clutterbuck said “They have learned to work for their goals, on and off the water and they know that good things take perseverance”. Louise Marshall, secretary of the club said “a huge thanks to our Club Nga Hoe Horo, to our wider whanau and hapori who provided funding, sponsorship, discounts, lent us your waka so that our kids could train or get Moana experience e mihi ana ki a koutou: Thank you all for the part you played in helping our kids achieve their dreams”. A grant from the Northland Grassroots Fund contributed to transport, wananga costs, and safety equipment which reduced barriers for tamariki getting involved. Grassroots funds support initiatives that support the wellbeing and development of children, youth and families across Northland. Click here if you’d like to donate to grow the grassroots fund and support more initiatives like this one in Northland communities.
