“ A Multicultural Event and proud day for Waka Ama”

What an amazing day of celebration for waka ama!  A day of multi culture, amazing performances, waka flotilla and many tears and emotions. Nga Hau Maiangi refers to the winds that caressed the waka Tainui, but also denotes the coming together of people united under one kaupapa. This is exactly what it was.

The opening of the new facility known as Nga Hau Maiangi on Panama Road, Mt Wellington was officially opened on the 13th Feb 2016.  This building had been the dream of many for over 15 years, who some have passed on. One of the founders was Papa Eru Thompson, who was well represented by his whanau and Tainui iwi representatives on the day.

The welcoming ceremony was like no other, with a flotilla comprising of the four waka ama clubs in double hull canoes, led by 2 rowing skiffs from the Auckland Rowing club.  The flotilla brought dignitaries in from along the Tamaki estuary, they arrived to a Maori welcoming (wero), to a display of colour presented by the Cook Island Outriggers club, a Niue welcome from the Manukau Outriggers club and finally concluding with a massive Haka powhiri from kapa group  Nga Uri O Te Wai o Taiki.

Mana Whenua proceeded to welcome our guests including local council members, dignitaries, special Member of Parliament Marama Davidson and most importantly the community.

The unveiling of the plaque on the impressive cedar wall with the Nga Hau Maiangi name etched in, is most appropriately adorned by a constellation of navigational stars used by our ancestors to guide them on the seas. Inside the lounge, proudly displays a supporters wall to acknowledge the many who have contributed to the project. It also was an innovative way to get people involved by donating funds to have their name displayed on the wall which will be there for many years to come. 

A grand facility with storage area for the four waka ama clubs,  Te Paerangi, Cook Islands Outriggers, Manukau Outriggers and Pakuranga Outriggers; with a stunning lounge upstairs overlooking the Tamaki estuary.

We were privilege to have Lara Collins and Lou Henderson on the day to be part of the celebration and representatives of the sport waka ama. Even more special as the Cook Island Outriggers displayed the Papa Ace Cuthers trophy (Club Spirit Award) recently won at the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Waka Ama Sprints 2016.  A most fitting gesture and place of residence for this trophy for the next year.

Fabulous day with the unity of all the clubs as well as the Auckland Rowing club who have played a major part in the establishment of the building. A wonderful collaboration of both sports coming together.

Please feel free to come down and have a look at the new facility. We thank everyone for your support, contribution over the years and welcome you to join us at our facility, representing whakakotahitanga, strength, collaboration and manaaki.

For more information about the building or if you are interested in the supporters wall,  you may contact Mereana Hona  on email: [email protected]