Tēnā koutou katoa e te whānau,

Kua huri anō te tau, kua tae mai anō tēnei whakataetae mīharo rawa atu.   Another year has passed and one of the most amazing competitions is upon us. 

He karanga tēnei ki a koutou katoa e te whānau whānui haere mai ki Ngāti Rēhia ki Tapuwaetahi mo te whakataetae ‘Pearl of the North 2026’.     We welcome all our waka whānau near and far to join us here in at Tapuwaetahi, Ngāti Rēhia for our annual Pearl of the North Regatta 2026.

Pearl of the North is not only well known for the racing and beautiful location, but also the KAI and Manaakitanga. Kai (hangi) will be provided to those who have registered and paid their race fee, as per normal. We will have a Coffee Cart for the duration of the day and we’re waiting on confirmation for a Kai Kart. For now, we highly recommend to our wider whānau and supporters to bring your own snacks and picnic lunch.

Whitiora Marae, Te Tii is available for accommodation. Priority will be given to those who have travelled afar, but there is plenty of space. The cost is $40 per person, per night. You MUST bring your own kai and snacks for the duration of your stay. The marae is available Friday and Saturday nights. Please contact Soph (0210529093) to book a bed.

From the whenua to the moana you will be well looked after paddler and non paddlers.

Nau mai ki Ngāti Rēhia.