Worlds 2008 - The countdown has begun

Not long to go now... Racing gets under way on 5th August, at Lake Natoma, Sacramento, California

I will try and update the website as much as I can, so you all know what is going on.

Here is the programme so far...

Programme
1st Fri - Canoe Blessing
2nd Sat - Practice day
3rd Mon - Opening Ceremony
4th Tue - Practice day
5th Wed - Racing begins
6th Thu - Racing continues
7th Fri - Racing continues
8th Sat - Racing continues
9th Sun - Finals & Awards Ceremony

A big congratulations to all those heading over to represent New Zealand. I have listed all their names below (hopefully I haven't missed anyone)

The New Zealand contingent consists of 206 paddlers, managers and officials.

I have opened up the comments below, so what I would like is for all of you to pass on your well wishes, and support for the NZ team, and I'll make sure the comments gets printed out and circulated to all the teams before they head out onto the water.

Lets help them go for Gold...

Reader Comments

1. To my sista Kere Mihaka and her team. Kia Kaha and go hard. Give it heaps my sis, I'm thinking of you always - love heaps Maryanne!!!!
   Anon Paddler - 09-Aug-2008
2. Kia ora J19s,specially Hemi L, all the best for racing tomorrow. Kia kaha kia tupato
   Donna (mum) - 05-Aug-2008
3. To my big sisters from Taniwha Waka Ama Club, All the training, and healthy kai Gran and I made you, has got to give you the edge over the other crews aye? From the sound of it yourv'e already kicked some yanky butt! Man! i wish i was there with my big sisters!! Feel me in that Waka. Feel me in that water. Breath me inside those big lungs of yours. Carry my wairua with you all and together we will "Fly the Ama" over the finish line...First. Tino Ataahua taku Tuahine Ma.
   Mean Taniwha Mean. Toia mai te waka nei.
   Venus from Mean Taniwha Mean! Club of the Year 2007 - 05-Aug-2008
4. Ki a Haimona Te Nahu me te whanau o Ruamata,
   Ka mau te wehi o ta koutou haka Haimona ma! Nui hoki te ihi me te wana. I kitea koutou i Te Kaea inapo. Te harikoa o o koutou ahua!
   Kei te tuku whakaaro hapai, whakaaro tautoko hoki ki a koutou katoa.
   Kia kaha apopo, te ra tuatahi o nga reihi.
   Arohanui na mama me te whanau i te kainga. xoxxooo
   Anahera Bowen - 05-Aug-2008
5. GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR FIRST RACE TOMORROW MY DARLING HEMI LEEF GO HARD!!!LOVE YOU
   Leilana - 05-Aug-2008
6. Rangitahi, sending you heaps of aroha! The whanau back here are thinking of you guys! Do yourselves proud! Don't forget to drink heaps of water and stay out of the sun, eh Nadia! Oh yeah lots of aroha to Nadia and the crew! Wish we were there with you guys! Good luck for your 1st race! Arohanui, Shirley-Marie, Antoine, Te Rina & Jean-Luc Coffin.
   Shirley-Marie Whata-Coffin & Whanau (Tauranga Moana) NZ - 05-Aug-2008
7. Kia ora Fred & Patu, sending you lots and lots of aroha! All the best on the water and bring home the gold! Awesome cuz!Okere stylz! Arohanui, Shirley-Marie & Whanau (Tauranga Moana)
   Shirley-Marie Whata-Coffin & Whanau (Tauranga Moana) NZ - 05-Aug-2008
8. Tena Koutou.......
   
   Whaea Josie....Te Huia....Tamaki....Summa-Lee
   
   KIA KAHA KOUTOU....
   
   WHAKAHOKIAMAI HE METARA KI TE KAINGA....
   
   A R O H A N U I
   
   NGA TAMARIKI O TE KURA KAUPAPA MAORI O WAIUKU
   NGA TAMARIKI RAWE......... - 05-Aug-2008
9. GoOd Luck Guys!!
   Don't forget I LOVE Yoou My Darhling!!!!
   LOVE YOU!!!!! - 05-Aug-2008
10. Kia Ora Papa....
    
    Ko Wai Ora tenei....
    
    Tino Tino nui taku aroha ki a KOE....
    
    Tino mokemoke ahau ki a KOE....
    
    Kaua e wareware papa....whakahokiamai he metara
    
    ki te kainga....
    Tou kotiro ataahua......... - 05-Aug-2008
11. Kia Kaha te whanau o Aotearoa Nga mihi ki a koutou katoa mo to mahi o waka ama he pai rawa mo to mahi,me te arohanui ki a koutou katoa.
    Jason Ryder - 05-Aug-2008
12. Kia Ora koutou te whanau no Tainui!!!no Aotearoa hoki!!!!
    Kia kaha koutou i to koutou mahi whakataetae waka ama mo Aotearoa!
    Ki taku mokopuna T3Y me taku kotiro, e whakaaro ana matou ma korua i tenei wa. Heoi i kitea i a whaea Tausie i a koutou e kaukau ana i runga pouakawhakaata, kei te ua tonu ki konei, e tino puhaehae ana matou no te wa kainga. Tukuna mai koa he korero, he whakaahua, i te emera.E Aroha ana matou ki a koutou.
    Na nani K....
    Anon Paddler - 05-Aug-2008
13. Ki a koe KORO.....
    
    A R O H A N U I
    
    
    WHERIKO........
    
    KIA KAHA...KIA MAIA...KIA MANAWANUI
    Tou Mokopuna...... - 05-Aug-2008
14. Fakalohi lahi atu Vaka Tiale!
    
    Hugs and Hongi for our Manukau Outrigger Paddlers representing HARD for Nuie ("THE" rock of Polynesia)
    
    Ladies, little rock - big heart! MALO.. Deb Misiuepa, Karen Misipeka, Lisa Fuemana, Anita Strickland, Nancy Young & Daisy.
    
    Good luck girls!
    Much luf xxxxxx
    Manukau Outriggers HQ - 04-Aug-2008
15. Just to acknowldge our whanau (who are on loan to other regions) from Te Kei o te Waka Runanga -W1 paddlers Leanne Haronga, Josh Perese, Darren Warren, Yvette Heke, Tim Tapsell and Tom Nathan. The six pack!
    
    Our other whanau rep'n hard:
    Char Beggs-Pile (Mrs), Nicolette Crews, Bettyanne Monga, Ari Gordon Glasford, Keli Stowers, Sanz Tapsell, Kere Mihaka, Liz Tane, Brad-star Anderson, Hori Pomana, Johnny Putari, Richy Schuster, Reecee (listen to your mum! ha ha)Glozier, Iritana (Rai) and Tony Rudolph.
    We're sure you've all got a good stock of concrete pills, so use them all up!
    
    Nearly time to show the world how we DO'z it - Aotearoa stylz!
    
    AROCA whanaunga - Aotearoa Golden Girls aka Taniwha WahiNeZ including Ben (ka aroha).. the Golden Master Ladies aka Hot Flushes (you're all so inspiring!), Tumeke Taitokerau - Nyree, Kay, Brenan, the Reaburn's (double trouble ha ha) Charlie Symons, Skin, Peter Kees (real trouble!) Auriole, Ralph, all the boys and Taitokerau reps. Daniel Albert (TUOTR), Helen, George & Co, Howie, Vesy, Raanj & and all the TPOTI paddlers.. TWOA - Dogfish .. too much fulla's.
    
    Big up's to ALL the coaching staff, Management and officials who put in so many tireless hours to keep everyone 'on track', on time and 'on the same page'.
    
    Be good, be-have & be safe
    
    Best of luck whanau.. we're all here praying, believing & cheering!
    Manukau Outriggers HQ - 04-Aug-2008
16. Go for gold Te Uranga O Te Ra
    
    Oh and love you and miss you heaps Jessee
    Mum, Halecia and Nan - 04-Aug-2008
17. Kia ora Tuatara waka ama whanau
    
    Shaun,Noel,Howard,Dave,Bruce,Mehaere,Brandon,Rachael,Renae,Nicole.
    
    Wishing you guys all the best "Go hard !!!" give it your all.
    
    Ake Ake Kia Kaha.
    Steffan Wanoa - Tuatara Waka Ama - 04-Aug-2008
18. To all paddlers representing the Hoe Tonga region, kia kaha ra - from your HT reps and the clubs in the region - Tunui a te Ika, Kōkiri, Tai Tonga, Hawaikinui, Avaiki Nui, Mana Pasifika, Aniuwaru, Ngati Toa, Nga Waka. Make us proud.
    Anon Paddler - 04-Aug-2008
19. Good luck to all you NZ Paddlers,give them a taste of Kiwi. A special hello to all the Whakatane paddlers
    Oparoozy - 04-Aug-2008
20. Kia ora - J19's squad, Helen, George and whanau, thinking of you all,give it heaps on the water.Thank you for calling home Rangitahi good to hear your voice and now we have access to your bebo page. Look forward to hearing how your first race goes, gets lots of rest, don't spend too much money, listen to George, Helen and the whanau and remember to take a map and you won't get lost in town next time (hihi). Big ups to you all.Love Papa,Kath,Korts and whanau.
    Rangitahi Papa and whanau - 04-Aug-2008
21. Kia ora cuz Fred Whata and Patu Whata we hope you and our nephew are training hard one ups for Okere Falls. Look forward to hearing how you and the teams do on the water, give it heaps and bring that gold home.
    Arohanui Tauranga Moana - Kath Kawe and whanau
    Kath Kawe - 04-Aug-2008
22. GO HARD, GO STRONG THE UGLIEZ!!! big shout out to Reece Glozier and Joshua Perese representing our juniors from the Manukau Outriggers. Do us proud boyz as we know you will!! team Ugliez are with you both and forever. Josh pull out all those stops, you have worked really hard the past 2 years and deserve to be j.16 OC1 world champ. Kia kaha to both our sons on your journey.
    Cheryl,Antz,Chavez,Ani,Pharrel-Ugliez whanau - 04-Aug-2008
23. Big upps to J.19 mens squad, to George and Helen and their support team. Reece you've worked really hard for this moment and your probably lapping it up knowing you dont have to listen to my voice at least for the next 8 days anyway.Can you please wear sunblock and a hat, and I hope you brush your teeth and continue to say prayers every night.You know the drill! Do the damage, bring home the goods!! Oh yeah, Chavez wants to know if he can borrow your ipod, and Ani has a sleep over can they use your room??If you had left your phone on roaming I could explain all this on the phone. Lots of love to me, and you can have some too.miss ya heaps
    Your caring whanau (mum)-Pawarenga Hard - 04-Aug-2008
24. Kia tu whakahihi koutou ma. Ahakoa te aha kia tu hei kanohi rangatira mo nga iwi katoa o Aotearoa, ka puta ki te whai ao ki te ao marama.
    
    E "Rangitahi" kia kaha rawa atu.
    
    Mauri tu mauri ora
    Jason Ake - 04-Aug-2008
25. Rai (Iritana) and Tony Rudolph:
    
    Kia ora Korua GO PAWARENGA GO POWER RANGERS.
    
    E kui ma e koro ma kia kaha, kia manawanui.
    
    Mauri Ora
    Pawarenga Whanau Supporter - 04-Aug-2008
26. SUGAR (Superwomen)
    
    You pull out all those stops in the SMW W1's. If anyone deserves the GOLD then you do. Whaka Hi Whaka Ha, breath in the energy expel the negative.Feel the wairua (spirit) flow through your tinana and visualise what color is waiting for you at the end, it's just there waiting for you Dolly.......Go Liz T in the W1's there's a bling bling there for you TOO!!.....GO THE WAKA MAMA's - WaHineZ from Taniwha SMW W6 2008 Champs in all races...YEEEHAAA.
    TANIWHA ROCKS - 04-Aug-2008
27. Golden Masters Womens Crew:
    
    Bring those bling blings home ladies. Bless you all.
    Kuia Supporter - 04-Aug-2008
28. Sarah Holderness:
    
    Our Kuia from Taniwha OCC. All the best dear with your Golden Masters Womens crew, we know you'll do NZ, Taniwha and your family proud. Stay Kool till after Skool.
    Mean Taniwha Mean - 04-Aug-2008
29. BEN FINAU,
    
    The one and only BOMB coach. A big BLESS to you and your girls in this campaign. Once again you give selflessly your time and dedication to others so that they may reach goals and achievements in their chosen sport. I hope Nga Kaihoe O Aotearoa realise that they are very fortunate to have some one of your calibre amongst its ranks...(I'm being bias here).
    The Air Force Dragon Boat Team sends you a huge SHOUT OUT. To your girls as we say in the Air Force now is the time to PIKI AKE (Step Up) and to ben once again from the Air Force our Whakatauki to you:
    He pokeke Uenuku I tu ai
    Against a dark cloud the rainbow stands out brightly.
    (An important chief takes his place at the head of his followers).
    And on a final note YES Ben us crazy ladies back home are still training. Amy had her first paddle yesterday and she took to wakaama like a duck takes to water, she even got her changes down pact in the one session which was twice around the lake...COW....LOL....Bless you all, enjoy have fun and GO HARD
    Liz Portas - 04-Aug-2008
30. My cousin Ariana Glassford a BIG KIA KAHA to you dear at your first World Vaa'a competition. My aroha and karakia are with you also. A big SHOUT OUT to all the ladies that trained on those cold dark nights at Lake Pupuke over the winter in preparation for the Worlds.....GO HARD and at the same time enjoy the sport........
    Lizzie Portas - 04-Aug-2008
31. Ko Liz Portas ahau, Ko au no te karapu o Taniwha OCC. Nga mihi mahana kia koutou nga wahine toa o te karapu o Taniwha OCC.
    
    Dear Sugar, Liz, Audz, MJ and Chubby,
    Not long to long now my friends. My whaakaro, aroha and karakia are with you ladies as you go do battle against some of the best in the World. I know nothing phases you ladies, you will always find a way, this old whakatauki epitimises your strengths. WAIHO KIA OROIA HE WHATI TOKI NUI ("Let it be sharpened, its edge is merely chipped a little").
    Ka pakeke te haere kaua e hemo Tu Tika, Kia manawanui, Kia kaha, Kia kaha tonu (When the going gets tough dont' give up, Stand Tall, be stouthearted, be strong, keep going..Best wishes to you all). TU HIKI TIA RA, TU HAPAINGA RA, TU HIKI TIA RA, TU HAPAINGA RA, TENEI TE TIRA O TANIWHA E, KIA HIWA RA, MATAARA E, PUKANA KI TE MAA, WHETERO KI TE WAKA, HI HI HI HA, HI HI HI HA "MEAN TANIWHA MEAN"
    Liz Portas - 04-Aug-2008
32. BIG SHOUT OUTS to Victoria Marshall and her Dad (Daveo). From the whanau in the Far North (Paatu/Kaitaia/Awanui). All the best for your competition and be watching you all on the Box. Mean Maori Mean. Love to you all, be safe and take care.
    Aunties Ellen, Girl, Kerri, and Johno and all the kids. - 04-Aug-2008
33. BIG shout outs of AROHA to BUBBI TAWHA and her mum NAN(Eva) Tai Tokerau J16 womens. All the best, GO HARD and give it all you got BUB! Can't wait to see you's return safely to us (Hopefully with GOLD taonga)no matter what we are all very proud of you and your mum, we hope you's have heaps of fun over there.
    Lots and Lots of LOVE from your brothers BEN and BUG and their significants others BOB and JOCK - 04-Aug-2008
34. Haha Yeah COURTz my Idol special shout outt too u TWICE hahaha..Funny
    
    All the BEST eNZd :]
    S. Bernadino LoLz - 04-Aug-2008
35. All the best to the New Zealand paddlers.
    Give it heaps Courtenay!!!!
    Love, Nana & Grandad
    Joan & Brian Piesse, Rotorua - 04-Aug-2008
36. To My Beautiful wife Mereana "DON'T HOLD BACK" babe
    and who ever else is reading this that's involved in the worlds campaign Best Of Luck!!!
    Chris - 04-Aug-2008
37. All my Aroha, all my Wairua and always all of Me!
    Goes out to my sister MJ over in the big U S of A, with my other sisters from Taniwha Waka Ama. Bring it on. Show them all what we got back here, Kaha, Mana, and Wairua. Missing you and sending you my "Mean Taniwha Mean" chant over the oceans. GO MJ, Sugar, Liz, Chubby, Audy, and all you Waka Mama's.
    Venus from Mean Taniwha Mean! Club of the Year 2007 - 04-Aug-2008
38. Tena koutou paddling whanau. All the best to each and everyone of you for doing the hard yards. A special shout out to Vesna and Raanj, go hard, have fun and I hope the baskets from Kimi help. Give a big hug to Kimi too please.
    Kelley - 04-Aug-2008
39. GO MY DARLING HEMI LEEF AND THE BOYS YAYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Leilana - 04-Aug-2008
40. Big shout out to Brandon Wilson,representing J16 mens W6 and Singles. Good luck with all your races. Stay true to yourself and focus on the races ahead,believe as we do in you and you shall truely succeed....What more can we say boy only you know what needs to be done on the day on the water....Be one with your paddle....and may the force be with you.....Go Yoda..(lol)
    Much luv,Much luck....Aotearoa Represent...
    
    Ps: Listen to your mother and be good to your sister for they are our voices to help cheer you on. So be loud please Tia!!!!!
    Uncle Allen, Unty Pip and Girls (Wharewera Whanau) - 03-Aug-2008
41. Hana-lee: We are sooooooooooo proud of you! You have worked very hard. Now the real hard work begins. Enjoy the racing, enjoy the experience.
    Love from Fiona and Bruce, Kate, Craig and kids, Milly'n'Molly, and the rest of the crew in Gordonton.
    Hana-lee Wainohu - 03-Aug-2008
42. Big shout out to Nicole Bancroft,Rachel Kingi and Renee Kingi. Representing J19 womens. We are so proud of you all and wish you all the best for your races. Believe,have faith and stay focus. You have done the mahi and put in the hard yards,what ever the outcome be proud.
    
    Nicole: use that determination and fight you have in you to help you with each race.
    
    Renee: Go with the flow,enjoy the moment and dont let negative thoughts cloud your mind.
    
    Rachel: You know what you have to do,realise it and dont forget to breathe(lol)
    
    Much aroha,much luck to all those Representing Aotearoa.....Tumeke.....
    
    
    Love to you all
    Allen,Pip and Girls (Wharewera Whanau) - 03-Aug-2008
43. Good luck Te Uranga o te ra...
    
    Go hard..
    Leana - 03-Aug-2008
44. Good luck J19 Champs HOROUTA!! Bring back gold you guys will do no sweat..Hemi and Tarnz bring back gold everyone down here is so proud of you..
    Love you lots xox don't forget our presents
    Hemi and Tarnz favourite girls!! - 03-Aug-2008
45. Mean cuzziez!!!GO MEIHANA!!!
    Anon Paddler - 03-Aug-2008
46. All the best Maria & Barb and you crews too, soooooo jelly of you both especially cause the weather is stinky raining and cold and storms everywhere!!!!!!
    Good luck to all of the womens crews, we know you'll do well and have a great time!!!!
    Arohanui
    Envious cause its yuck weather hia and hot az there kohu - 03-Aug-2008
47. GO HARD 4 WORLDZ EAH MEEZ..CHURR.
    Marino - 03-Aug-2008
48. Hii hop yHooz haV a guD tyM
    hehehe
    
    owT tu Raanj Nd Mihaere
    Ocean - 03-Aug-2008
49. Mihaere bring back a metal
    numnuts - 03-Aug-2008
50. Kia ora to the J19 Mens Waka Ama crew! Most especially Rangitahi Kawe our nephew and rising star!! Sending you all lot's of kaha eating pie from Tauranga Moana! Give it heaps Rangitahi, big hugs from Jean-Luc & Te Rina! Arohanui, Coffin Whanau X
    Anon Paddler - 03-Aug-2008
51. Kia ora to the J19 Mens Crews, OCC Encore boys,George Thomas, Hellen Messenger, Nadia & Luke Eketone, Hemi Te Nahu & whanau, Alex and all the other NZ supporters. We are all so proud and envious of you all in the searing heat of the Califorinia sun. Your pale Maori frames will appreciate the tanning opportuntiies the USA will now afford you all. Venue looks awesome but not as good as Lake Okareka or Sulphur Piont boat ramp. Paddle hard and true and blow the rest of ther world off the water. The weather is still crap here but Rangataua won 10 - 8 and we are on our way to the finals in Rotorua next week to play Tauranga Sports. The All Blacks kicked some Ozy nono 39 - 10 last night. So no pressure Boys its your turn to bring home gold. Kia pai to koutou noho kei raro i te manakitanga o tatou Ariki a Ihu Karaiti. PS Rangitahi ring home and unlock your Bebo page so I dont have to embarrass you on this web page for the whole world to read. Love Papa, Kath, Korts, Nanny, Aunty Ata, Uncle Tomika, Kawe, Whiu & Whata Whanau Rangataua prezzys & prem's etc etc etc
    Rangitahi's Papa & Whanau - 03-Aug-2008
52. hi hana good to hear you are ok there kia kaha love dad
    Hana-lee Wainohu - 03-Aug-2008
53. Kia oro my moko, we all watching out for you and your team from Hawkes Bay. Your papa would be so proud of you if he was here, just like me. You made us proud when you made it into Waka,s so the rest is history. To all those that encouraged my moko Hana -lee to fall in love with an awesome sport. you go girl kia kaha
    
    granma Turipo - Dot
    Hana-lee Wainohu - 03-Aug-2008
54. All da best Tapi, Marika, Crystal, Keita, Paegan, Hinekura AND Kahutatara!!! KOHINE MATAKOKIRI KOKIRITIA!!!!!! Oh, b-have, b-good, but be BADD on the water!!!! Hope the whanau tautoko is all good!!! Go Tai!!!
    Envious cause its yuck weather hia and hot az there kohu - 03-Aug-2008
55. Go hard Matakokiri jr16 Girls!!!
    Bring home the GOLDS!!!
    To my baby Keita Holmes, "Give it heapz"!!! We're with u all the way...
    Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui...
    Luv u heapz
    Mum xox
    Nan, Koko & all the whanau in da Naki!!! - 02-Aug-2008
56. Go hard J16 girls Team MATAKOKIRI!
    Anon - 02-Aug-2008
57. Nga mihi ki a korua Paegan & Tuhiwai, kia kaha kia maia!!! Go hard whanau!!!
    TKMP 4nau - 02-Aug-2008
58. Kia ora to the Golden Masters in particular our G Mamas.
    May the strenght beneath your Ferns guide your paddles and waka ama to victory at the worlds.
    Kia Kaha
    Moses Whanau, Nelson - 02-Aug-2008
59. Hi Bayleigh,
    
    All the best on your big trip and give 'em heaps. I'll watch this space for an update.
    
    Say Hi to mum and Te Huinga from me.
    
    Muffet (Wellington)
    Anon Paddler - 02-Aug-2008
60. Hey Alex!
    
    Thanks for the updates! too much...
    Wish I woz dea! - 02-Aug-2008
61. Kia ora koutou katoa nga Kaihoe o Aotearoa
    
    We commend each and eveyone of you for standing up and representing the rest of us. We acknowledge that you have all have worked SO hard and that takes courage, energy, money, time, effort and commitment.
    
    Enjoy the experience, atmosphere and competition. We're already proud of you.
    
    Kia Kaha, Kia Maia, Kia Manawanui
    Mauriora
    AROCA Paddlers - 02-Aug-2008
62. Kia ora to the Tai Tokerau J16 girls, Ngapuhi nui tonu is in the house!! Go hard girls, all that hard training will pay off for you. Best of luck to all the paddlers from Tai Tokerau, we're thinking of ya!!!
    Warwick Whanau - Hokianga. - 02-Aug-2008
63. Kia ora to all the J19 & J16 Girls. Wishing you all the best for the upcoming sprints. Missing you all heaps. Merearoha says hello! Show the world your kiwi majic and bring home the gold. To my darling Sara-Lee all the whanau are proud of you. All my love to everyone. God Bless, Good Luck.
    
    Wikiwoo
    Wikitoria Rolleston & Whanau - 02-Aug-2008
64. There can be only 6 people in 6 man, 1 person in a single and 2 people in a double however to ALL of those who are there representing Aotearoa....Your boats carry the wairua of many thousands if not millions of supporters back home. GO HARD...Make us proud and bring back the golds...
    Kia Kaha
    Tuatara Club - 02-Aug-2008
65. Chur cuzzy come back with a gold and then you can say your the top in the world lol
    
    Chur cuz Good luck!,
    
    Josh
    Tuhiwai - 02-Aug-2008
66. To the ramp whanau participants
    Stay strong, go hard & enjoy.
    Comrade - 02-Aug-2008
67. Hey Hemi Wahapango,
    I know you will do Pokohinu Wakahoe and the whole of Aotearoa proud. Mean Maori Mean...........
    Ken and Edwina Black Nukuhou North Waimana.. - 02-Aug-2008
68. hey hey hope your ok and hope you do well at worlds gold gold gold is wat you want ayy
    
    I didnt clean your room for nothing hehe
    
    love you your lil sis
    N@3R1 K3R3RU - 02-Aug-2008
69. hi sister itz cool that ur in america well itz ur bro jade and i and tha whanau wish tha best and try ur hardest to bring a goldy home 2 share with us ok
    
    much luv
    jadey boii - 02-Aug-2008
70. Hi my darling kia kaha Hana-lee we all love you and are so proud of you. Sorry we could not make it but Howard is looking over all our under 19 girls. Kia kaha Te puku o Te Ika and our entire NZ contingent
    Dianne Kereru and the whanau - 02-Aug-2008
71. Tuhiwai,
    Go for it, make it happen!
    Lots of love
    Mum and Dad
    Anon Paddler - 02-Aug-2008
72. Go you ManuWAi paddlers.Take your concrete pills before you race and go HARD.And all you Rampettes Wahine ma..
    Your Brothers from the Ramp. - 02-Aug-2008
73. GOOd LUCK
    DAD
    kIA kaha AYE
    hope U do WELL
    I roto I nga MEA katoa
    paddle HARD
    Do your BEST
    
    U CAN dooo IT
    stay IN THE FIGHT
    
    "If u think you can,if YOU think you
    cant your RIGHT"
    Ara - 01-Aug-2008
74. Kia ORA
    
    Summa,Te HUia me TAmaki
    
    KIA kaha katou MAa
    
    Whakahokia MAI e maha Nga metara NE..
    
    Give It all YOU got
    
    "If u think you can,if you think u cant
    your right"
    
    Remember THAT...
    Ara.. - 01-Aug-2008
75. GO THE O.C.C ENCORES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YAYAAAAAHHHHH
    Mean maori mean - 01-Aug-2008
76. Good luck my darling hemi leef and the rest of the boys!!!!!!!!Mean maori mean bring back that shiny GOLD medal home!!!love you babe
    Leilana - 01-Aug-2008
77. Go Aunty Raanji yeah Representing Tarawera in the House, I mean representing Whanau RAPANA YEaaaaaaah, MEAN MAORI MEAN
    Whanau Rapana - 01-Aug-2008
78. Nga mihinui ki a koutou...
    
    big shout out to all the whanau...
    
    Paddle hard...cos Hotu said!
    
    arohanui Aunty Whaea Kim and Zahrarose
    KIm Marsh, Te Toki Voyaging Trust - 01-Aug-2008
79. GO HARD FULLAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    BRING HOME THOSE GOLD MEDALS!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Chur chur - 01-Aug-2008
80. GOOOO eNZd!!All the BEST and have Loads of FUN ova there YeeYahh Uncle Robbie Nukz and goo hardd uncle George in ur Singles race :D..xxO
    
    Goo my kuzziez frm Muriwai and the Gizzy crews and u Welly chicks hehe..
    Hinatea L.O.L - 01-Aug-2008
81. Haere koutou i runga i te aroha, i runga i te wairua toa, i runga i te ngakau whakaiti.
    
    Aku mihi ki te hunga no Otaki tonu: Aunty Barb, Hinekura, Marika koutou ko Maria.
    
    Eke panuku, eke hohoro........
    
    AOTEAROA KEI RUNGA!!!
    Whatumairangi Hapeta - 01-Aug-2008
82. Kia ora to all the Golden Masters,
    Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Go hard, enjoy and keep hold of the gold!
    Ma te Atua koutou katoa e manaaki, e arahi.
    Arohanui,
    Karin
    Karin Mahuika - 01-Aug-2008
83. Go Hard MJ, Sugar, Lizzy, Chubby, Auds, Maria.c., Leslie.L, and Henrietta.S, and all you other Hard Core Waka Mama's. This is to all the hard nuts, you know who you are,bring out the mongrel in you and we are guaranteed a gold for the haul...
    Kia Kaha toku Tuahine ma.
    Arohanui kia koutou katoa.
    Venus from Mean Taniwha Mean! Club of the Year 2007 - 01-Aug-2008
84. HaLLAu UZ!!! Big ups 2 my DARLING PARE, ANd mY DARLING JO..KIa Kaha te KAari Yu-gi-OH!!! Kia A koe hoki Bignono TE WAI and PUPI and last but not least 2 u Ihi Miss NEGATIVITY!!! :) :) GO HARD BOIS,MANAR IT!!LUV UZ ALL and MISS uSE HEAPS!!! Go HARD and RIP UP!!!!
    X0X0X0X KIRI, TAYS AND NGAA
    KIRI, NGAA, TAYS - 01-Aug-2008
85. Kiakaha Matua Riki Te Huia Raumati Tamaki
    me te ropu o Harataunga. kaua e mahi koretake engari whakahokia mai etehi metara ki te kainga.
    
    
    MIAN MAORI MIAN
    Rangipukohu - 01-Aug-2008
86. KIA TOKU PAPA....
    
    KA NUI TE AROHA KI A KOE PAPA...
    
    KIA KAHA...KIA MAIA...KIA MANAWANUI...
    
    TINO POURI TAKU NGAKAU KI A KOE...
    
    WHAKAHOKIA MAI HE TAONGA KI A MATOU...
    
    AROHANUI
    W A I O R A..... - 01-Aug-2008
87. GO HARD MATAKOKIRI J16 GIRLS,THIS IS WHAT YOU HAVE TRAINED SO HARD FOR AND CRYSTAL MY DARLING GIRL YOU PADDLE LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER PADDLED BEFORE FOR YOUR OC1 RACES..IM SO PROUD OF YOU ALL..
    CRYSTAL'S MAMA-DONNA - 01-Aug-2008
88. KIA KAHA Dad & Te Huia & Raumati
    Waiora - 01-Aug-2008
89. Kia Te Huia
    
    Kia Kaha....
    TE AROHA POI POI - 01-Aug-2008
90. Kia Ora
    
    Summa, Te Huia me Tamaki
    
    Kia Kaha...Kia Maia....Kia Manawanui...
    WAIOHUA - 01-Aug-2008
91. Kia Kaha Tamaki
    
    KIa kaha Matua Riki
    WHITI - 01-Aug-2008
92. And u Matua Riki Go
    
    Hard 4 the whanau
    MAIORO..... - 01-Aug-2008
93. GO HARD!!!!!
    TE Huia, Summa-Lee and Tamaki.......
    
    BRING BACK GOLD.....
    MAIORO..... - 01-Aug-2008
94. Kia ora whanau!
    GO HARD for ur races will be thinking of all of you! do our country and yourselves proud!!!
    kerrie marshall- Taniwha waka ama - 01-Aug-2008
95. Hi Teams
    
    Wishing you all the very best of luck. Go hard and give them all a taste of KIWI, we know you can do it as this one is for James. Kia Kaha.
    Debbie Gow, Te Arawa Paddlers - 01-Aug-2008
96. Kia Kaha Nga Wahine Toa O Taniwha me Aotearoa!!
    Bring home the Gold, Bring home the Silver just bring it all home to Aotearoa.
    Our hearts are pounding with excitment at the thought that sprints are starting soon. Give it all you got and know we are in the waka with you all in spirit.
    Venus, Granny, Awhina, Taonga, Aliyah, Tohu and Tamanui in Otara, Sth Auckland.
    MJ Hika and the SMW team of SolutioNZ!!! - 01-Aug-2008
97. Te Awahaku Dogfish plus one, bring it home for the New Zealand Open Men. Nga Mihi.
    Anderson Whanau - 01-Aug-2008
98. Go Alex, make sure you time those Kiwis to be in 1st Place and organise those Yanks to run a great show. We miss you
    Love Becs, Cam and Matt - 01-Aug-2008
99. To Te Uranga O Te Ra paddlers and supporters,
    Its time to live the dream. Believe in yourself and your team. Savour the moment.
    Missing you Sarah - give it your all - Believe it. Thinking of you lots.
    Fiona, Kevin and Anna Hatton of Gisborne, NZ - 01-Aug-2008
100. are the wooley kumahs racing?
     ?? - 01-Aug-2008
101. Go hard Boodles,kick butts....miss you already!
     YouKnowWho! - 01-Aug-2008
102. Go hard taniwha and make not just our club proud but also our country proud! Clean up just like we did at Natz.. :-) Kia Kaha! MEAN TANIWHA MEAN!!
     Taniwha Wahine - 31-Jul-2008
103. Go Taaroa Dubois yeeee haaaaa!!!!
     O for Awsome Paddla - 31-Jul-2008
104. Seeing the teams leave on Tuesday was awesome. Black is a fantastic colour :) But gold is even nicer. Wishing everyone all the best and hearty racing.
     Vicki Johansen - 31-Jul-2008
105. Go get em kiwis. MASSIVE
     KC - 31-Jul-2008
106. Kia ora,
     I wish you all the best for the worlds. especially for my mom Katja Hildebrandt. You have all my support from Austria and I am so proud beeing your daughter.
     Cheers from Vienna.
     Kristina Hildebrandt
     Kristina Hildebrandt - 31-Jul-2008
107. To All the Crew's...
     Wishing you all the Best..Kia Kaha..Good Luck!!!
     Bring home those medals that you all worked hard for...paddle hard! and have an Awesome time!!!
     Big shoutout to Johnny Putz......
     Arohanui
     Maru Putairi...Te Pou Herenga Waka - 31-Jul-2008
108. Kia Ora Whanau
     You are all inspirational human beings and we wish you all the best in your journey.
     Paddle hard, and keep your eye on the prize, but most importantly, have a fantastic time over there and know that behind you and your paddles will be all us.
     arohanui
     Riana Manuel
     Matariki Hoe Waka Club
     Riana Manuel - 31-Jul-2008
109. Congratulations to all the team!. Paddles up and have fun as well.
     Misha Crosbie from Aratika Club Auckland. - 31-Jul-2008
110. I would like to extend my thoughts and wishes to all of the whanau that go going for GOLD, Silver and Bronze....Go Hard Kia Kaha Kia Manawanui
     Yvonne - 31-Jul-2008
111. I just like to wish everybody the very best and looking forward to another new record of medals achieved through all their hard work. Good luck. Cilla Hay from Aratika Club in Auckland.
     Anon Paddler - 31-Jul-2008
112. Good luck people!! Go hard everyone from Whakatane!! Hemi get that GOLD!!
     Mr Heavener - 31-Jul-2008
113. He mihi nu nui ki a koutou katoa.....Rep hard Mean Maori Mean..........Aotearoa....big ups to you all. Special shout out to JJ Cootes...ka mau te wehi........Turangawaewae - Ngaruawahia....
     Whaea Tuhi Kihi - 31-Jul-2008