Peata's story: ‘I feel normal again on the water’

Waka ama champion Peata Nuku has no memories of the day her life changed forever, which she says is for the best. 

She was working on a building site in Auckland when she fell 10 metres from scaffolding onto a stack of steel planks. It was a sickening sight and sound as her workmates rushed to her aid. 

The next thing she remembers is waking up in hospital, connected to tubes and machines. 

“It was strange because I was really high on morphine,” Peata says with her trademark giggle. 

“It took a while for it to sink in, after they told me I’d been in a serious accident.” 

Peata (Ngati Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine) had MRI scans which confirmed she’d broken her back. She spent a few more days in Auckland Hospital before being transferred to the Auckland Spinal Unit in Ōtara. 

“To be honest, I was 21 and had no idea what a spinal cord injury meant. I didn’t know what my life was going to be like moving forward.” 

Peata was told her spinal cord was not damaged and, with rehabilitation, it was likely she’d be able to walk again.  

“That was obviously a huge relief – but I also then realised the serious nature of my injury.” 

Peata was lucky to be alive. She’d fallen from a significant height and was fortunate with the extent of her injuries.

“The doctors couldn’t believe it,” says the 26-year-old, who now works in a warehouse. 

“They said I should have been dead after my fall or at least be paralysed. I know I’m fortunate – every day I realise I’m very lucky.” 

ACC provides second chance at life

With the goal of walking again, Peata was determined to make the most of her rehabilitation. She stayed at the Auckland Spinal Unit for two months and found it challenging. 

“It was a bit shocking for me because I couldn't have my partner there and I was still coming to terms with what had happened,” she says. 

“But over time I made some good friends and it gave me perspective. I realised there were many others worse off than me and I wanted to make the most of my life.” 

She managed to get back up and walking, which was a hugely emotional moment. 

Going home was challenging but she says the support of ACC was incredible.

“They’ve always been there for me,” she says. 

“Every physio, every case manager I’ve had with ACC have really cared about me and they’ve helped with my return to work. There’s no doubt they’ve given me a second chance at life, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”  

Waka ama boosts confidence

Peata decided she wanted to get back into sport. She loved waka ama as a teenager and wanted to try it again. 

Getting back on the water was a special feeling. 

“I was nervous after my accident but to know I could still do it gave me a lot of confidence,” she says.

In August, she travelled with the New Zealand team to the World Sprint Championships in Hawaii. She made a spectacular debut in the Para waka ama team, winning the female VL4 250m V1 (single craft) event.

“She won by miles and the best part was her game face, the determination throughout the challenging conditions and then the sheer joy of crossing the finish line first,” says Roni Nuku, coach of the team. 

“We go back and watch it over and over. It’s such a joy to watch.”

Roni believes Peata is a special talent who has overcome incredible adversity to represent Aotearoa. 

“Her attitude and bubbly personality are what make her stand out,” says Roni, who’s related to Peata. 

“She’s always smiling and laughing, consistently being cheeky and teasing her teammates. But she has a competitive edge where she will never give up.” 

Roni describes Peata as the ultimate team player, taking on her role within the team without questions. 

“She brought a lot of value to the campaign. In Hawaii, she helped us create a cohesive unit that would paddle for one another. It was a coach’s dream.” 

A potential shot at the Paralympics

Roni says Peata has a huge amount of potential to reach the Paralympics and excel. 

The only barrier currently in her way is her classification as a VL4 paddler. 

VL3 paddlers are athletes who have full use of their trunk and partial use of their legs, whereas a VL4 paddler is considered to have more mobility.

There is no VL4 category at the Paralympics, so Peata would need to be re-classified as a VL3 paddler to have a chance of qualifying.

Due to the damage to her legs and greatly reduced movement that brings, Roni believes Peata is not in the right category. 

“If she is a VL3 or less, then watch out world,” he says.

Peata has met Paralympics waka ama bronze medallist Peter Cowan a few times and is inspired by his success. 

“Pete’s a lovely guy, he always has time for people,” she says. 

“He’s shown people like me what you can achieve on the world stage if you never give up and work hard.” 

‘There’s nothing like being on the water’

Peata is looking forward to making her debut at the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals, which take place in January on Lake Karāpiro. 

For the 2025 edition, paddlers and their whānau from all over Aotearoa will celebrate 35 years of waka ama, the Māori form of outrigger canoeing.

Around 380 races are held over the seven days, making the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals the biggest event of its kind in the world.

“I’m a bit nervous because it’s a big event and I struggle with walking for long distances,” Peata says. 

“But I’m looking forward to it, there’s nothing like being on the water and competing. Being out there, I feel like everyone else – I feel normal again.”

Supporting whānau through waka ama

Andy Milne, our Deputy Chief Executive of Strategy, Engagement and Prevention, says we’re proud to support the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals. 

“We’re committed to supporting kaupapa like waka ama that promotes the health and wellbeing of whānau of all ages,” Andy says.

“Community events like the waka ama nationals help us to raise awareness and build understanding around ACC services that improve access and health outcomes for Māori.”

Our research shows Māori are more likely to experience a serious injury than non-Māori but are less likely to make an injury claim. 

“We’re focused on ensuring Māori are aware of the support they’re entitled to following an injury,” Andy says.

“If you’ve had an accident and have an injury, no matter how big, don’t tough it out – taihoa ake and get help. ACC is here for you and your whānau to help you recover and get you back doing what you love.”

Injured? Don't tough it out – taihoa ake and get help

The power of positive thinking

Peata has good advice for people who’ve had a life-changing injury. 

“I know it sucks but just try to push through,” she says. 

“There’s bad days and good days. Everyone has them but just keep thinking positively. 

“There’s no point in crying about it for too long. Otherwise life starts moving on and you get left behind. 

“Find something that motivates you to get out of bed and get moving.”

Waka Ama Sprint Nationals

12-18 January, 2025
Lake Karāpiro, Cambridge

More than 3,200 competitors and 8,000 spectators and whānau from around the motu.
 
Supported by mana whenua Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā. 

ACC is a partner of Waka Ama New Zealand to improve access and health outcomes for Māori.