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Announcing a new partnership with Waka Ama New Zealand

Air Tahiti Nui, the flagship carrier to the breathtaking Islands of Tahiti, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Waka Ama New Zealand (Waka Ama NZ), the national body for the sport in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Air Tahiti Nui has a long-established history of supporting the growth of Va’a; Polynesian outrigger canoe racing in the Islands of Tahiti, where the modern-day sport evolved alongside the development of the sport in the Hawaiian Islands. 

Likewise, the sport of Waka Ama has come a long way in Aotearoa New Zealand since the first club was established in 1985 in the East Coast/Tairawhiti region by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell after he witnessed Va'a racing in the islands of French Polynesia.

Waka Ama NZ

As part of this partnership, the airline will serve as the preferred airline of Waka Ama NZ and feature at the following major events, working collaboratively with Waka Ama NZ to further develop the sport.

  • Long Distance Nationals: 03 to 06 October 2024 – Gisborne, Tairawhiti
  • Sprint Nationals: 12 to 18 January 2025 – Lake Karapiro, Waikato
  • Takapuna Beach Cup: 13 to 16 February 2025 – Takapuna, Auckland
  • Secondary School Nationals: 24 to 28 March 2025 – Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua

This partnership not only highlights Air Tahiti Nui's commitment to cultural exchange and sporting excellence, but also underscores the shared heritage and passion for Waka Ama (Va’a) paddling that unites Aotearoa New Zealand with the Islands of Tahiti.

About Waka Ama New Zealand

Waka Ama New Zealand is the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for the sport of Waka Ama in Aotearoa New Zealand. The NSO was formed in 1987 and now boasts 95 clubs from Kaitaia to Invercargill and close to 10,000 paddlers. Making Waka Ama one of the fastest-growing water sports in the country.

Over 3000 paddlers participate in the annual Sprint Championship at Karāpiro and over 130 Secondary Schools take part in the Secondary School Championships each year. The Waka Ama NZ head office is based in Okahu Bay, Auckland. Follow Waka Ama NZ on Facebook, Instagram and for more details please visit their website Waka Ama NZ.