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Top coach to lead new waka ama course

July 4, 2019

As well as being a paddler of international renown, Kiwi Campbell is two times winner of the Coach of the Year award in the national Māori Sports Awards, coach and lead paddler for New Zealand’s Elites’ premier women paddlers and mentor for many Horouta Waka Hoe teams. Individually, she has amassed many gold medals in New Zealand and overseas. (Photo credit to Waka Ama NZ & photographer Garrick Cameron)

People wanting to learn more about waka ama paddling have the chance to get tuition from legendary Tūranga-based coach Kiwi Campbell.

Paddling will be part of a new EIT  programme centred around waka ama paddling, its history and significance in Māori culture.

EIT’s Te Whatukura, School of Māori Studies, Te Tairāwhiti, is launching the New Zealand Certificate programme in July, reflecting the growing interest in this indigenous sport throughout the country.

The Level 3 programme covers subjects like fitness and wellbeing for all ages, for whānau, hapū, iwi and local communities as well as health and safety.

The students will be able to study history of waka ama and its national significance today. The programme comprises practical learning of paddling techniques, safety procedures and enhancing performance on the water, as well as skills and knowledge related to the many aspects of living a healthy lifestyle.

There will be a strong focus on mātauranga Māori – knowledge originating from Māori ancestors, including Māori perspectives, Māori creativity and cultural practices. Te reo Māori will naturally be integrated throughout the curriculum.

“The over-arching aim is to expand the offerings of Te Whatukura and diversify our programme portfolio”, says Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki (head) of EIT Maori studiesStudies.

Mātauranga Māori components will be led by noted Tairāwhiti historian Walton Walker of Ngāti Porou, cultural advisory officer for Gisborne District Council.

Paddling, health and fitness will be led by Kiwi Campbell, of Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau ā Apanui  and Ngāti Porou descent.

As well as being a paddler of international renown, Kiwi is two times winner of the Coach of the Year award in the national Māori Sports Awards, coach and lead paddler for New Zealand’s Elites’ premier women paddlers and mentor for many Horouta Waka Hoe teams.

Individually, she has amassed many gold medals in New Zealand and overseas.

She says the programme, Te Pōkaitahi Tikanga (Waka Ama) – NZ Certificate in Tikanga (Waka Ama) (Level 3), has been organised to suit a broad range of people, including  those working full time. It will include three weekend noho (marae-based weekend workshops) and evening classes.

The programme will be offered at both Tairāwhiti  and Hawke’s Bay campuses.