07/09/2026
WOW!! Amazing work team.
TPOTI regional sprints was already at international level and the envy of the other regions, but now itâs gone next level again with Waikato River Authority coming on board. NgÄ mihi to all involved
Waikato River Authority announced as naming sponsor of
Te Puku o Te Ika Sprint Champs
The Waikato River Authority (WRA) has signed a two-year agreement to become the naming and principal sponsor of the Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Associationâs (TPoTI) Regional Sprint Championships, covering the 2026 and 2027 events.
Under the agreement, the event will be known as the Te Puku o Te Ika â Sprint Champs, Waikato River Authority, bringing together waka ama paddlers from across the region for an annual sprint championship that also serves as a national qualifying event.
The championships are held at Lake KarÄpiro, with the 2026 event set for 5â6 December. The 2025 event, held on 6 - 7 December, drew some 1,200 paddlers, including from clubs across the Waikato catchment, Taranaki and Bay of Plenty.
Participating Waikato clubs, included Te Toki Waka Ama, TĆ«rangawaewae Waka Sports, Waikato Dragon Boat and Waka Ama Association, Raahui Pookeka Waka Sports, NgÄ Kaihoe o Te PĆ«aha Waka Ama Club, and NgÄ Tai Whakarongo Waka Ama Club.
The partnership, builds on WRAâs earlier sponsorship of the national waka ama sprints. By extending its support to the regional competition, WRA is providing greater assistance to a volunteer-run organisation that develops paddlers and future kaitiaki of the Waikato River.
The sponsorship includes branding across event signage, promotional materials and online event programmes, as well as a dedicated WRA information site at the event where staff will engage directly with paddlers, whÄnau and spectators to share information about river health and restoration initiatives.
âThe Waikato River is the life force of this region, and Te Puku o Te Ika Sprint Champs provides a fantastic way to connect with paddlers and their whÄnau in a positive environment,â said Antoine Coffin, KaihautĆ« of the Waikato River Authority.
âWaka ama is intrinsically connected to the health of our wai. This partnership gives us a direct way to reach paddlers and their whÄnau, share the work being undertaken to restore the Waikato and WaipÄ awa, and support a sport whose global growth was clearly evident at the World Sprints in Singapore.â
Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association Board Chairperson Hiria Rolleston said the sponsorship reflected the event's long-standing relationship with the Waikato awa and iwi.
âHaving the Waikato River Authority as our naming sponsor is a real vote of confidence in our paddlers and our community,â said Mrs Rolleston. âWaka ama naturally reinforces respect for water, our clubs aren't just users of the river, they're active kaitiaki, and this partnership helps us strengthen that connection for our tamariki and rangatahi coming through the sport.â
For paddlers, clubs and event organisers, growing awareness of biosecurity threats such as the gold clam has reinforced the importance of protecting the Waikato River and other waterways.
The Te Puku o Te Ika â Sprint Champs, Waikato River Authority will next be held at Mighty River Domain, Lake KarÄpiro, on 5â6 December 2026.
-ENDS-
Media enquiries
Te Anga Nathan, Pou KĆrero
Waikato River Authority
[email protected]
Rebecca Ryder, Event Manager
Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association
[email protected]
đ” About the Waikato River Authority
The Waikato River Authority is a co-governance entity established to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato and WaipÄ Rivers for future generations, working in partnership with iwi, government and the wider community.
đą About Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association
Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association Incorporated represents waka ama clubs across the Waikato catchment, running the annual Regional Sprint Championships, a national qualifying event, and supporting the growth of the sport and its connection to the Waikato River.