101 reasons to get involved in Waka Ama!

1  Being part of sport for the whole whanāu
2  Being part of the fastest growing water sport in Aotearoa
3  Ability to be a club affiliated to a National Sporting Organisation recognised by Sport NZ
4  Ability to be a paddler affiliated to a club
5  Waka Ama NZ Website benefits
6  Club listing on the website
7  Club Access to the website Members Area to monitor and administer affiliations and id cards
8  Club Access to online entries for Sanctioned Events listed on the calendar
9  Club Access to online entries for National events listed on the calendar
10  Eligible to take part in IVF World Sprints (according to criteria being met)
11  Recognition by the National Sporting Body for funding purposes. Letters of support for funding available to all affiliated clubs
12   Continual improvement and development of website and technical services
13   Use of the Club Tool Kit
14  Safety Rules developed in conjunction with Maritime NZ
15  Sanctioning process for all events – provides guidelines and criteria for hosting events
16  Safety Guidelines and Rules for events
17  Access to heavily reduced Public liability insurance through sanctioning
18  Legally reviewed Safety Waivers and Safety Documents
19  Online entries set up and admin support for sanctioned events hosted by clubs and regions
20  Monthly members prize draw (sees affiliated paddlers every month win prizes)
21  Exclusive deals offered by our Suppliers and/or Sponsors
22  Sprint National races screened on Maori TV
23  Easy to understand Safety Videos
24  Paddling Video and Booklet resource on website
25  Access to Foundation Coaching Courses
26  Access to Development Coaching Courses
27  Access to all coaching courses 
28  Access to waka ama Flip and Float sessions
29  Flip and Float instructional poster - in Māori and English
30  Para Waka Ama pathway
31  Club Safety Officer pack for sent to clubs
32  ‘How to’ Guide for Pocket Timer Pro developed and available on website
33  Waka Ama NZ Facebook page managed and updated regularly
34  Free advertising for affiliated members to sell their canoes on the Waka Ama New Zealand website/facebook
35  Waka Ama New Zealand Board – Providing sound and professional governance
36  Access to the Strategic Plan – published in Māori and English
37  Help with strategic plan development
38  Access to advice on financial accountability and sound financial management
39  Affiliated Club voting process for Board elections
40  Affiliated paddlers can take part in National Sprint Championship Events at Karapiro
41  Access to a world class race course owned and provided by Waka Ama NZ
42  Affiliated paddlers can take part in National Long Distance Championships
43  Affiliated paddlers can take part in all sanctioned events
44  All sanctioned events meet a safety standard
45  Sponsorship products giveaways at National events
46  Medals awarded at National events
47  Involvement in a national selection process for World Sprints events
48  Co-ordination of World Sprints Teams
49  The uniform provided to World Sprints paddlers
50  Advocacy and leadership for the sport at an International level
51  Marketing and promotion of Waka Ama through Waka Ama NZ social media channels
52  A strong relationship with Water Safety New Zealand
53  Maritime NZ information available online
54  Increasing awareness of Water Safety & PFD’s
55  Professional administration of the organisation/sport
56  Access to the Waka Ama New Zealand office to assist and answer any questions you have
57  Club membership database management system for clubs
58  Paperless invoicing for clubs
59  Xero Accounting package software available to regions
60  Free professional photos from all major events on our facebook
61  Waka TV – A collection of YOU TUBE videos all featuring waka ama
62  Waka Ama social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
63  Waka Ama History – The history of our sport documented for all to enjoy
64  Historical results of events
65  Strategic planning assistance for regions & clubs
66  Access to a constitution template for new clubs
67  Comprehensive Race Rules and Review process
68 Event templates
69  Culture of Waka Ama Booklet and online quiz
70  Outward Bound Scholarships available for all affiliated members to apply for annually
71  Collaboration with International Federations to provide access to events like Gubbi Gubbi in Australia
72  Organisation of the National Secondary School Championships (In conjunction with Te Waiariki Purea Trust)
73  Access to international event information via the waka ama website
74  Discounted Life Jackets through Vaikobi for Affiliated clubs and members
75  A point of access to other clubs in other regions when you are travelling to different regions and want to go for a paddle but don’t know where to go or who to go to
76  Legal advice related to waka ama business
77  Access to Sport NZ and its resources
78  Access to regional sports bodies
79  Access to become a Waka Ama volunteer and upskill in various roles at a club, regional or national level
80  Volunteers acknowledged at National events
81  Have input on events by completing the online surveys
82  Access for clubs to Waka Ama NZ staff presentations at Regional Meetings twice yearly
83  Easy online access for a paddler to check their affiliation status
84  Comprehensive Race Calendar for paddlers
85  Flexible affiliation across 1 or more clubs to maximise regatta opportunities
86  Governance development for regions and clubs
87  Steering information for beginners on website
88  Officiating and admin up skilling
89  Assistance with race management (advice in lead up to events)
90  Para Waka Ama Equipment development and resources for clubs
91  Waka Ama Flip & Float Certificates
92  Foundation Coaches Certification for completion of all modules
93  Management of race calendar on behalf of regions, clubs and paddlers
94  Unique ID Card designs
95  Opportunity to share your paddling stories via the website
96  Certification of Waka Ama Safety Basics through Coast Guard Boating Education
97  Waka Ama NZ support for nominations to various sports awards, nationally and regionally
98  Advocacy for the sport at a National level
99  Advocacy of the sport Internationally
100  Online database of membership statistics including ethnicity data – Used by clubs for funding applications, students for assignments etc.
101  Being officially part of the best sport in New Zealand!