Waka Ama Sprint Nationals: ‘The best week of the year’

Waka ama champion Hine Brooking pauses for a moment to consider the question. 

Asked how much the support of the waka ama community has played a part in her success, the 16-year-old from Gisborne Girls High School takes her time. 

“They’ve been a huge support to me,” she says.

“I’ve grown up in this community and the support for one another is really special. I wouldn’t have had any of the success I’ve had without that upbringing in this environment. 

“So, of course, I want to pay that back and support the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals, it’s one of my favourite weeks of the year.” 

This year will be even more special. 

Hine says when she takes the water she’ll be thinking of Kiwi Campbell. The world and national championship-winning coach and paddler died in November aged 43.  

“I’d like to acknowledge Kiwi for the opportunities she presented to me to help build on my waka ama goals,” Hine says. 

“She’s paved the way for many of our junior squad here in Te Tairawhiti. Her presence will be missed in our club.”

Nationals build foundations for world success

Hine says her own success at the nationals gave her confidence she could compete internationally. She travelled to the world championships in Hawaii last August and made a name for herself. 

Hine is the current double world junior champion in individual events, holding the world junior 16 women’s sprint and world junior women's long-distance titles. 

Those achievements lead to Hine being nominated as a finalist for the Junior Māori Sportswoman of the Year for a second year in a row. 

For Hine (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), being part of waka ama in New Zealand is bigger than just a sport, it’s about being part of a whānau. 

“It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been in that environment. We all have a lot of support for each other and that makes you want to compete at your best and do your region proud,” she says.

“I can’t wait to get back to Lake Karāpiro to catch up with some friends from all over the country.” 

Hine Brooking, second from right, with other members of the New Zealand junior 16 women's waka ama team at the Māori Sports Awards.

Huge talent dreams big

Her coach Sieda Tureia mentors the New Zealand Waka Ama Elite women's team. She says Hine is a huge talent. 

“Hine is one of those exceptional rangatahi who’s so determined to achieve her goals,” she says. 

“She’s unafraid to dream big and has the plans and work ethic to match. Hine works exceptionally hard training multiple times a day, six days a week. 

“Part of her success is her ability to critique her performance, take on feedback and pinpoint areas for development.” 

Sieda says Hine has a strong sense of self and connection with her community. 

“Knowing her whakapapa, her roots as a rangatahi Māori and where she comes from helps to keep her centred and grounded in her pursuit for excellence on the world stage.” 

‘I’m just a young girl from a little town’

Hine feels privileged to be in a position to inspire others. 

“It feels cool because I'm just a young girl from a little town in New Zealand and being able to represent my whānau and Te Tairawhiti means a lot to me. 

“Being from the East Coast is a huge part of who I am. With this success, my hope is to inspire my whānau and other rangatahi from our region. If I can achieve it on the world stage, then they can too.

“Representing Horouta Waka Hoe, both nationally and internationally, has helped to get me to where I am.”

Improving health outcomes for Māori

The Waka Ama Sprint Nationals is an annual week-long event held in January at Lake Karāpiro, Cambridge.

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

Over 70 of the 90 Waka Ama NZ-affiliated clubs are attending the event, as well as more than 3,200 competitors and over 8,000 spectators and whānau from around the motu.

This includes adaptive paddlers competing in specific adaptive (Para va’a) races, more wāhine than tāne taking part, and all ethnicities and cultures competing.

Over the years, waka ama events have been predominantly made up by 70 per cent Māori and Pacific peoples. 

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

ACC will host a Whānau Zone for supporters, paddlers and wider whānau to relax and watch the racing, as well try rongoā (traditional Māori healing).

We’ll also have a stall talking about our Kaupapa Māori services – Hāpai and Te Ara Tuhono, culturally grounded care developed to improve outcomes for whānau after injury.

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. 

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

Supported by mana whenua Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā, and run by Waka Ama New Zealand, the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals take place from 12 to 18 January.

Find out more on the Waka Ama New Zealand website.

Waka Ama New Zealand

Waka Ama Sprint Nationals

12-18 January
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.