In 2011 Nga Kaihoe o Aotearoa (Waka Ama New Zealand) initiated 2 new trophies to be awarded annually at the Sprint Nationals.  The Trophies were carved by Matahi Whakataka Brightwell who has been instrumental in the re-birth and growth of the sport of Waka Ama in Aotearoa. 

The “Ace Cuthers Memorial Club Spirit Award” takes into consideration actions of the club throughout the week, their performance on and off the water. The club that optimises the values of Waka Ama; Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Hauora , Tu Tangata, and of course the memory of Ace himself.

The winning club in 2017 was Te Pou Herenga Waka Ama Club, they were presented with the trophy by Louise Henderson and Matahi Brightwell.

The Te Pou Herenga Waka Ama Club were consistent throughout the entire week and volunteers made mention of them often, as a club they embodied the values of Waka Ama; Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Hauora , Tu Tangata.

Thank-you Te Pou Herenga Waka Ama Club  for your contribution to the the 28th Waka Ama Sprint Nationals and congratulations on being the recipients of this years Ace Cuthers Memorial Club Spirit Award.