History of Waka ama

Waka ama or outrigger canoes have long been an integral part of the culture of Pacific people. The development of waka ama can be traced to the period of early Polynesian voyaging throughout what is known today as the Polynesian triangle (Hawaii, Rapanui, Aotearoa/New Zealand).

Contemporary outrigger paddling has its origins in Hawaii. It was banned by the early missionaries, but revived in the early 20th century and really took hold after the Second World War due to new boat-building technology and the use of fibreglass. By the 1950s it was recognised as a sport internationally.

In New Zealand renowned Gisborne-based waka carver Matahi Whakataka Brightwell played a big part in the sport’s development and growth, as did Kris Kjeldsen, who developed the 1990 model canoe when New Zealand hosted the world sprints.

Waka ama tikanga (customs)

Waka play an important part in te ao Maori or the Maori world. Maori trace their origins to ancestors who migrated here in voyaging waka bringing their history, atua (gods), customs, values and beliefs.

Because of this many waka ama clubs in New Zealand recognise tikanga or customs regarding the use of waka ama, including our club. These affect how we behave in and around the waka.

Respectful behaviour includes:

Some crews use karakia (prayers) to start and finish their paddles.
We don’t step over the hulls or hoe (paddles) out of respect for them and in reverence for the old belief that they embodied ancestors.
We don’t poke our paddle blades into the ground for the same reason.
We respect the sea.
Basic Maori commands are often used when paddling.
We try not to swear or eat around the waka.
We try to live by the concepts of kotahitanga (unity) and manaakitanga (hospitality).