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 Association’s (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 – 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 Karāpiro, with the 2026 event set for 5–6 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, Tūrangawaewae Waka Sports, Waikato Dragon Boat and Waka Ama Association, Raahui Pookeka Waka Sports, Ngā Kaihoe o Te Pūaha Waka Ama Club, and Ngā Tai Whakarongo Waka Ama Club.
The partnership, builds on WRA’s its 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, whānau and spectators to share information about river health and restoration initiatives.
“The 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 whānau in a positive environment,” said Antoine Coffin, Kaihautū of the Waikato River Authority.
“Waka ama is intrinsically connected to the health of our wai. This partnership gives us a direct way to reach paddlers and their whānau, share the work being undertaken to restore the Waikato and Waipā awa, and support a sport whose global growth was clearly evident at the World Sprints in Singapore.”
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.
“Having the Waikato River Authority as our naming sponsor is a real vote of confidence in our paddlers and our community,” said Mrs Rolleston. “Waka 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.”
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 – Sprint Champs, Waikato River Authority will next be held at Mighty River Domain, Lake Karāpiro, on 5–6 December 2026.
-ENDS-
Media enquiries
Te Anga Nathan
Pou Kōrero
Waikato River Authority
teanga@waikatoriver.org.nz
Rebecca Ryder
Event Manager
Te Puku o Te Ika Outrigger Canoe Association
sprints@tpoti.co.nz
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 Waipā Rivers for future generations, working in partnership with iwi, government and the wider community.
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.
