New Zealand Community Trust has awarded a grant of $20,521 to Mataatua Sports Trust for the purchase of a one-person and a six-person waka, aimed at increasing water safety and ensuring the expansion and sustainability of their waka ama programme. 

More and more Whakatane students and community groups are getting involved in our waka programme,” said Kaiwhakahaere Hemi Wahapango.

“We needed additional equipment to meet this growing demand. With these two new wakas, we’ll be able to provide a high-quality experience for all participants and encourage more local involvement. This growing cultural awareness, together with learning about the power of working together as a team (kotahitanga and whanaungatanga), has a hugely positive impact on social well-being and cohesion in our community.’’ 

The waka programme offers school groups and community organisations the chance to learn vital skills such as paddling, flipping, and water safety practices. It also educates participants about the natural environment and historical Māori sites.  

“Mataatua Sports Trust promotes active and healthy lifestyles through traditional Māori sports. Our programmes have seen significant growth, with fifteen kura currently registered,” said chairperson Chris Marjoribanks.

Paddling together in a waka develops teamwork and communication skills, fostering unity within the group,” said Wahapango. “This unique experience promotes physical fitness and appreciation for Māori culture, contributing positively to social well-being.” 

Six-person waka used by Mataatua Sports Trust to increase water safety and teach waka ama.  Photo: Supplied.

 Mataatua Sports Trust has been delivering traditional Māori recreational activities and promoting wellbeing in the Mataatua Rohe for over 30 years. They are an advocate for culturally based sports. 

The trust was an aspiration of Matiu Te Pou, who identified a need for an organisation to engage with rangatahi using sports activities as a medium. A core focus was to encourage rangatahi to stay in education, with sporting goals and wellbeing being key aspects to facilitating this.  

Established as an incoporated society in 1998 Mataatua Sports Trust is funded by SportNZ to deliver the He Oranga Poutama programme which incorporates traditional Māori sports and activities. These include waka ama, Ki o Rahi, Mau Rakau, and physical and cultural activities based in the natural environment. The trust has extensive relationships with local kura, clubs, and iwi within the Eastern Bay of Plenty region, with a shared of philosophy of promoting active and healthy lifestyles. 

Local participant Te Mauri Spencer is enthusiastic, sharing that “the Kaiako make it a fun learning environment.”

“Being on the waka is fun, but the tikanga and history are what I find most fascinating,” said fellow participant Annikka Schäfer.

 “Waka ama serves as a powerful means of connecting and uniting whanau,” said NZCT’s Grants, Marketing, and Communications GM Ben Hodges. “We're grateful for the responsible gaming fundraising partnership we share with Cobb & Co Whakatane which made this grant possible.”  

NZCT is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand. In 23/24, NZCT awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the Arts, and cultural activities.

Click here for more on NZCT’s grants programme, harm prevention approach, and partnership with hospitality venues throughout New Zealand.