Hamiora Katu Brings Home Bronze at International Waka Ama Champs in Brazil

Anei a Ngāti Rārua e noho whakaiti nei, e whakamānawa nei, e owha atu nei ki a koe. Mōu i whakawhiwhia ki te mētara rauwhero, ki te whakataetae o te Ao, ki Brazil. Kātahi rā te whiwhinga whakahirahira ko tēnei. Kei te uri o Ngāti Rārua, nei te mihi maioha e Hamiora.

Hamiora Katu spent countless hours training during our cold, dark winter for International Va’a Long Distance World Championships for Waka Ama, held in Brazil last month.

He says it “took months of hard work and dedication”.

“I had to train at least two times a day, 5-6 days a week since May.

With the assistance of a Ngāti Rārua grant, Hamiora competed in the J16 (under 16-year-old) W1 (single) paddler for Aotearoa, after winning the National title in Wellington in May. He was also the reserve paddler for the J19 (under 19), W6 (6 man) team. 

“My race was a 12km distance with 9 other paddlers from different countries including USA, Cook Islands, Chile, Fiji, Australia and Argentina. 

Conditions were challenging he said.

“The race was in the Niteroi Harbour but took us out into open water. Paddling in the sea is something that I am not used to as I do the majority of my paddling in Lake Rotorua.”

“I am proud to say that I finished in 3rd place behind Tahiti (1st ) and Brazil (2nd). 

Winning a bronze medal for Aoteaora has made him “more determined to train hard” for the Aotearoa Sprint Nationals and World Sprint Championships in Singapore in 2026. 

“Thank you all once again for supporting me to paddle in Brazil. Ka nui te mihi atu ki a koutou katoa.”

From all of us, well done Hamiora and thank you for representing Aotearoa. We wish you even more success in the future! Kei runga noa atu!